How to improve indoor air quality

According to the EPA, 23 million people have asthma.  Poor indoor air quality can both aggravate and cause respiratory illnesses.  Learn how to improve indoor air quality with these five, simple ideas.

Indoor air quality solutions

1. Increase ventilation — open the windows, let in fresh, outdoor air to help release a build-up of contaminates such as volatile organic compounds (VOC's) and gas particles.
2. Use natural cleaning products.  Conventional, chemical cleaning supplies emit toxins into the air we breathe.  No one needs the extra carcinogens and other harmful substances introduced into the indoor environment.  Look for products which only have biodegradable, plant-based ingredients, or make your own homemade natural cleaning products. 
3. Switch to natural bedding.  Conventional bedding materials, from cotton to polyester, are created and processed with a host of chemicals, from toxic flame retardants to carcinogenic formaldehyde.  Start integrating organic cotton blankets and sheets to create a natural, breath-easy bedroom environment.  Natural mattresses are a little more expensive, but well worth the investment.
4. Bring in the garden!  Placing two or three houseplants throughout the home is a great way to improve indoor air quality.  They help to cleanse and purify the air from pollution.
5. Take off your shoes when entering the home.  This will prevent dirt and small particles from coming deep into the home and entering the air. 

These simple indoor air quality solutions will make a huge difference in the health and safety of the great indoors, the place that many of us spend the majority of our time.  Another great way to bring fresh, clean air into the body — go for a walk!

photo by Back Garage