http://www.care2.com/greenliving/simple-steps-to-clean-your-indoor-air.html
Simple Steps to Clean Your Indoor Air
Did you know indoor air pollution can actually be more of a problem than outdoor? As the seasons change and you’re warming up inside your home, try these inexpensive solutions.
1. Replacing your standard filter with one that is pleated (increased surface area collects particles more efficiently) and electrostatic (helps capture small particles and allergens) can help clean up forced air from the furnace. Look for a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating of ten or higher.
2. Use ventilation fans in the bathroom and kitchen if you have them. High levels of humidity breed mold and mildew. Microscopic particles from these can trigger allergies, asthma attacks, and, in rare cases, lung infection or poisoning. Get rid of mold naturally.
3. Lower VOC (volatile organic compounds) exposure by looking for low VOC paints or paint strippers. VOCs can cause headaches and upper-respiratory health problems as well as liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage.
4. Purify with plants, which can remove common chemicals from the air, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide. These plants actually thrive on them! Peace lilies, bamboo, palm, English ivy, mums, and gerbera daisies are among the top air-purifying plants.
5. Pick cleaning products with care by steering clear of ingredients in air fresheners and cleaning products that are known causes of health problems, including cancer and respiratory ailments, says Samuel Epstein, MD, chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition. Go with nontoxic products (or make your own cleansers) whenever possible.
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.
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10 comments
add your comment »good suggestions!
i almost feel healthier now that my air is clean! :)
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Great suggestions. I moved into a nice old house a few months ago and at the same time decided to chuck all my regular household cleaners and air fresheners for environmentally-safe all natural products. My house smells nice and fresh, and I now find that the regular versions make me choke, I can't stand them anymore - it really DOES make a huge difference. Now I really wish that I had used low VOC paint :( oh well.
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Great suggestions!
Diane
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Hi,
A definite great read…Thanks for the ideas.
frauenmantel
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Hi,
A definite great read…Thanks for the ideas.
heilpflanzen
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Good to know, thanks!
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I live in Canada and despite the cold, harsh climate, windows throughout our house are opened even during the winter to circulate fresh air. Some of us even sleep with the windows open just a crack. There's nothing healthier or more refreshing!
Another thing that I do in between washings is to regularly hang out our bedding on the clothes line. Nothing smells or feels better than a comforter or duvet that has been blown by a cold, sun-kissed breeze for a few hours!
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Good ideas!
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Please use good judgment in selecting and placing plants: it bears repeating that many houseplants are toxic to domestic animals, the peace lily being particularly dangerous to cats. The ASPCA website has excellent lists of both hazardous and safe plants.
I love to be surrounded by plants, but the health of my cats is paramount. We check on toxicity before introducing anything and eliminate or place out of reach any questionable plants. Ceiling hangers have worked far better than high shelves in this regard, since climbers and jumpers can still find their way.
Even nontoxic flora is probably not the best addition to most animals' diets, if consumed in large quantities. I've found that my cats leave virtually all herbs alone, finding the scent disagreeable, and some houseplants simply don't interest them at all. Try out a few varieties, again, checking on toxicity first. Cat grass (oat or wheat grass) is safe and healthy, if your companions want a salad. They trust you do do what is best for them. :)
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Love your suggestions! Here's another list of homemade cleaner recipes, which also includes the comment: " the best "air cleaner" is house plants! Boston fern, peace lily and areca palm, are all easy to grow and each absorbs a different set of pollutants."
http://greenterrafirma.com/cleaners.html
Bruce.
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