The air we breathe in our homes can impact the way we live. Many people forgot that air pollution also occurs indoors. If your home is not properly ventilated it prevents the flow of outdoor air that helps dilute harmful emissions and carry them out of the home. Both high temperature and humidity levels can increase the concentrations of some pollutants. The effects of poor indoor air quality include some respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer.
There are three main strategies for improving the air quality in your home. They include the following:
- Source Control – the most effective way is to find the source and eliminate or reduce the emissions. Sources that contain asbestos can be sealed off or other like gas stoves can be adjusted to lower the amount of emissions.
- Ventilation Improvement – by increasing the amount of outdoor air coming in you can lower the concentration levels. Most home heating and cooling systems do not mechanically draw in fresh air however this can be achieved by opening doors and windows and using ceiling and attic fans. Also consider bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans which directly remove contaminants from the home.
- Air Cleaners – there are many types and sizes on the market ranging from small table top ionizers to large sophisticated whole house fan systems.
In addition to these three options there is now another low cost natural product that helps purify the air indoors. Salt crystal lamps are natural Negative Ion generators. If you have ever experienced the air at a waterfall, on a mountain top, at the beach, or after a thunderstorm, then you have experienced the results of Negative Ions and how fresh the air smells.
Negative Ions are displaced electrons in the air, formed when an energy source acts on a molecule of oxygen, carbon dioxide, water or nitrogen. They are short-lived and highly reactive particles that attach and neutralize microscopic particles floating in the air, like mold, pollen, dust allergens, pet dander, odors, cigarette smoke and chemicals. Studies have shown that Salt Crystal Lamps not only help purify the air but provide health benefits and relief from hay fever, asthma and allergy relief, improvement with sinus related illnesses, migraines and reduce susceptibility to colds and flu.
While it may be difficult to find these natural products in your local “big box” store, you can find the best Natural Health Products online.
If you are interested in transforming your home into a greener and healthier home, check out these Green Home Remodeling tips.
