4 Easy Fixes for Airborne Toxins

Using natural cleaning products is one way to rid your home of health-damaging toxins. But even so, levels of indoor air pollution can still soar. The first important step is to be aware of these 10 cancer-causers to remove from your home–then try these quick, inexpensive ways to reduce airborne toxins.

1. Change your filter. To help clean up forced air from the furnace, replace your standard filter with one that is pleated (increased surface area collects particles more efficiently) and electrostatic (helps capture small particles and allergens). Look for a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating of 10 or higher.

2. Ventilate. Bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans are helpful in reducing humidity, which breed mold and mildew. Microscopic particles from these can trigger allergies, asthma attacks, and, in rare cases, lung infection or poisoning.

3. Lower VOC exposure. Household materials such as paints or paint strippers can contain high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause headaches and upper-respiratory health problems as well as liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage. Use low-VOC products whenever possible.

4. Purify with plants. Houseplants can remove common chemicals from the air, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide. Some plants actually thrive on them! Peace lilies, bamboo, palms, English ivy, mums, and gerbera daisies are among the top air-purifying types.

Delicious Living is the go-to resource for the natural and organic lifestyle, helping readers eat well, live green, and stay healthy. Visit deliciouslivingmag.com for more articles and free recipes.

By Susan Fecko, Delicious Living

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Jane W.

10:00PM PDT on Jul 26, 2011

More plants? I will be charged with eco-destruction if I keep killing each and every plant I try to grow in the house, and also those I try to grow outside.
My latest weeding expedition consisted of me uprooting a half row of carrots (thinking they were weeds).

send a green star

Brenda T.

7:16AM PDT on Jul 23, 2011

Good advice. Thanks.

Erlinda B.

6:27AM PDT on May 15, 2011

The advise on the use of houseplants to reduce/eliminate airborne harmful substances bodes well for me. I have always loved indoor gardening. At one time we had over 300 pots of indoor plants, large and small. The choice of proper air filters is also very helpful. I will share it with family and friends.

Susan S.

6:42AM PDT on Apr 26, 2011

Good info. Thanks.

Kath R.

11:28AM PST on Jan 6, 2011

Most non-leather shoes and boots off-gas constantly. The vapours can cause headaches and upper-respiratory health problems as well as liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage. Best to keep them out of the bedroom or better yet not buy them at all.

Darla G.

12:59PM PST on Jan 3, 2011

nice thanks

Bente S.

11:29AM PST on Dec 31, 2010

I love houseplants.