All of us worry about outdoor pollution, but we don’t focus on household pollution. As a majority of people spend most of their time indoors, now it is time look at the indoor pollutants. According to the EPA, your home can be two to five times as polluted as the air outside.
Fireplaces
Wood-burning fireplaces are one of the biggest indoor pollutants particularly in winter. Fires discharge carbon monoxide and carcinogens. The smoke of wood damages lungs. To minimize the risk, use good conditioned appliances and don't allow the smoke inside your home.
Carpets
Carpets hold on to dirt and toxins. Use carpets made with natural materials like wool as they are better than synthetics. Use a vacuum with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter, a dirt sensor and a light that lets you know when all the particles from a patch of carpet are vacuumed.
Lawn
Spraying pesticides and fertilizers is essential to maintain the lawn and garden. But this can cause contamination of surrounding air and water. To prevent this always use natural alternatives.
Wall Paints
If the house is painted with lead based paint it produces lead when they chip. So wipe down surfaces with a lightly dampened cloth to minimize dust.
Furniture
Most of the household furniture items are made with formaldehyde based resins. So always buy furniture items that are coated on all sides or the products made with glues that do not contain formaldehyde.
Floor Finishes
Oil-based floor finishes contain higher levels of Volatile organic compounds (VOC). They contain carcinogens, zinc and ammonia. So choose water-based ones. Radon, one of the most dangerous pollutants can enter homes and buildings through cracks in floors or walls. You can test the radon levels using a kit. Certain radon reduction systems are available to reduce the amount of radon.
Cleaning Products
Sodium hydroxide is found in dishwashing liquids, laundry products and tile cleaners. 2-butoxyethanol is found in All-purpose cleaners, degreasers, floor polish, rug shampoos, toilet bowl cleaners and window cleaners. So use natural products like vinegar and baking soda. Use the cleaning products which do not have hazardous warnings on their labels.
Pillows, Mattresses, etc.
Too much moisture leads to the growth of mold, and dust mites may set up in pillows and mattresses. Use covers for them and keep them clean. Wash the covers with hot water of 130°.
