Nothing beats the coziness of your own home. We spend the majority of our time indoors. However, a variety of contaminants can degrade the quality of indoor air. High humidity, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), insecticides, combustible material, radon, and pathogens are all common indoor contaminants. They can have an adverse effect on our health.
You should improve your indoor air quality for your health and well-being. How can indoor air quality be improved? People assume that opening a window will solve the problem. Some people mistakenly believe that candles and air fresheners can temporarily improve the odor. However, they can also have the opposite effect.
To help you breathe better, we have compiled a list of tips to reduce bedroom air pollution that can be used in various settings.
What is poor air quality?
Indoor air pollution can be worse in large cities because of higher levels of outdoor pollution. However, it affects all people in the country.
Indoor air pollution refers to “dust and dirt in the air in a building that could cause health problems if we inhale it”. Poor ventilation, dampness, chemicals in cleaning products, and paints are all possible causes. It is made up of small particles that can’t be smelled or seen, making it known as the “invisible killer”.
The average person spends 90% of their day indoors, inhaling polluted indoor air for 150 hours a week. Furthermore, homes are becoming more insulated and less ventilated, which can have a positive impact on our energy bills. However, it has a negative effect on our air quality because dry, stale indoor air hangs around longer.
Health Effects
Even healthy individuals can be affected by polluted air. This includes respiratory irritation, difficulty breathing, and difficulties while exercising or outdoors. Your actual risk of adverse air quality effects will depend on your current health and your exposure time to a polluted atmosphere. Long-term exposure can lead to permanent health effects, such as:
- Accelerated aging for the lungs
- Lung capacity loss and reduced lung function
- Asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and other diseases
- Reduced life expectancy
Ways to Tell if Your Indoor Air Quality Is Bad
There are several ways to determine if your indoor quality is poor.
- Coughing or difficulty breathing
- Sneezing, allergic reactions
- Irritation and skin dryness
- Headaches or nausea
- Inability to sleep
- Dust buildup
- Unpleasant odor
Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
To get rid of pollutants, you need to follow various methods to reduce them. Follow the steps below to help reduce indoor air pollution.
1. Ventilate
Indoor air quality can only be achieved by good airflow. To remove stagnant or deteriorating air, you need to improve the airflow in your home.
Open your doors and windows to freshen indoor air quality. A healthy indoor environment requires adequate ventilation. When it’s not too cold, or the pollen count doesn’t exceed 50, opening windows is a great way to allow for a good exchange between indoor and outdoor air.
2. Don’t smoke
Smoking is very bad for your health and indoor air quality. Smoking releases harmful gases and particles, which can get stuck to fabrics, furniture, and walls. Smoking is bad news for the environment and can stick around much longer than just one cigarette.
3. Handle chemicals carefully
All household chemicals must always be sealed after use. A lot of household chemicals vaporize on exposure to air. These compounds are called volatile substances. Leakage can lead to the release of toxic toxins into the indoor environment and decrease the quality. It is important to seal and store them properly after each use.
VOCs are also found in paints. The indoor air can become polluted by VOCs when it is freshly painted. Make sure you schedule indoor painting during the times when your space is least occupied. If you want to paint your bedroom, buy the right amount of paint according to bedroom color schemes and make sure to store any leftovers in an enclosed, dark area.
4. Change air filter
The most important component is your air filter. Air filters work by removing particles and contaminants from the air. Air filters should be replaced every other season.
A filter can easily become dirty within a matter of days or weeks. Your air filter can be changed easily at a minimal cost.
5. Keep your sheets and clothes clean
Poor air quality is caused by dust mites. They might irritate your nasal passages, making you weary and sluggish.
Dust mites may be found in fabric or materials of curtains, pillows, and beds. These items must be cleaned regularly with a low allergenic washing detergent. You should make sure your pets don’t sleep on your sofas or bed. This will reduce hair buildup.
6. Do not wear shoes in your home
Shoes, if worn indoors, can bring dirt, mold, and pollen into every corner of your home. Floors are already prone to accumulating chemicals, allergens, and dust. By having no shoes inside the house, you can reduce the amount of dirt and air pollutants that enter the home.
7. Use Exhaust Fans
In the bathroom, you can run fans to remove steam. Your dryer should vent to the exterior to minimize lint. On days when it is impossible to open windows, your window Air Conditioner should be run on a fan setting.
8. Buy an Air Purifier
An air purifier could be a wise investment. These devices can remove contaminants from the air, making them very useful in bedrooms where mold and bacteria build-up is common.
9. Clean Carpets Regularly
Your carpets have a significant impact on the quality of your indoor air. Keep your carpets clean by vacuuming often. You can also encourage family members and friends to remove their shoes at the entrance so allergens do not get inside your house.
10. Use clean air plants
The beauty of plants in your home will make it more appealing, and they can also double as an air filter. Many plants can clean out your home of pollutants. The air you breathe can be filtered by houseplants. However, they can also absorb harmful air toxins like formaldehyde or benzene. You can improve air quality with small palm trees like peace lily and pot mum.
11. Humidity
You feel uncomfortable when there is high humidity, right? It also makes indoor air miserable. Indoor air is plagued by high humidity. High humidity encourages mold and mildew growth in indoor environments. You are more likely to get infections from high humidity. Keep your home clean and free of disease.
12. Cover your trash
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear of uncovered or overflowing trash? It smells. Did you know it can also be toxic to indoor air quality? Uncovered waste is a great place for bacteria, insects, pests, and vermin to thrive. They provide more surface area for pollutants.
Bottom Line
You should improve your home’s air quality for your health. There are many ways that pollutants from the everyday world can get into your home. They can be carried in by the wind. These tips to reduce bedroom air pollution will help you and keep your family as healthy as possible.