Green Parenting: Our Homes Are Trapping Pollution Inside
Posted on February 3, 2012 under Dads, Grandparents, Moms, nanny
By Elise Jones, blog editor
We’ve been lucky in the northeast as of late, the weather has NOT been typical mid-winter weather. So the opportunity to open the windows to let in the fresh air has been ample. For those of you who are in colder climates and not able to open up your windows to allow some fresh air in, here are some tips to improve your indoor air quality and why you should do them right now!
Why you should improve your indoor air quality:
- Indoor air pollution is one of the top five environmental health risks.
- Our homes are full of all sorts of toxic chemicals, whether they are from carpeting, insulation, various fabrics, floors and counter tops, or just toxic cleaning supplies.
- The trapped pollutants result in what is often called the Sick Building Syndrome. This syndrome is a result of our homes and offices being virtually sealed off from the outside environment trapping the pollution inside. Newer homes and buildings, designed for energy efficiency, are often tightly sealed to avoid energy loss from heating and air conditioning systems.
- Additionally, synthetic building materials used in construction have been found to produce pollutants that remain trapped in our buildings and homes.
Signs of poor indoor ventilation:
- stuffy air
- moisture condensation on cold surfaces
- mold and mildew growth
Ways to improve your indoor air quality:
- Bring in air cleansing plants: gerbera daisy, ficus, philodendrons, bamboo, peace lily, English ivy, spider plant, & mother-in-law tongue. For an average home of under 2,000 square feet, use at least fifteen samples of a good variety of these common houseplants to help improve air quality. source
- Minimize the use of products and materials that cause indoor pollution and regularly use green products to renovate and clean your home.
- Bring in outdoor air through exhaust fans or ventilation systems in your air conditioning units.
- Remove airborne pollutants through portable air filters, electronic particle air cleaners and ionizers. source
So crack a window, bring in some greenery, circulate your indoor air and breathe a bit easier until spring arrives and we can permanently throw open our windows once again.
Have any suggestions or questions for our Green Parenting blog? Email elise@babybites.com.
__________________________________________________
Like what you see? Here are some more Green Parenting columns:
___________________________________________________
