The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors. It is further reported that indoor air quality can play a significant role in daily and long-term health.
While each person may be affected differently, raising eco awareness and taking action on indoor air quality issues can directly contribute to health and a more sustainable lifestyle. Our work with professional consulting services has identified a list of potential concerns:
• Carbon Monoxide
• Nitrogen Dioxide
• Respirable Particles
• Household Chemicals
• Pesticides
• Formaldehyde
• Dust Mites
• Mold
As a sustainability consultant, I advise individuals of the importance of managing their indoor environment. The following is a top 20 list of items to consider:
1. If concerned about your indoor air quality, work with a professional consultant to identifying Air Quality Problems.
2. Install and use exhaust fans that are vented to the outdoors in kitchens and bathrooms.
3. Ventilate the attic and crawl spaces to prevent moisture build-up.
4. Keep the house clean. Dust mites, pollens, animal dander, and other allergy-causing agents can be reduced, although not eliminated, through regular cleaning.
5. Avoid indoor use of unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, wood stoves, fireplaces, and gas stoves.
6. Have central air handling systems, including furnaces, flues, and chimneys, inspected annually.
7. Operate a dehumidifier in the basement if needed to keep relative humidity levels between 30-50 percent.
8. Throw away partially full containers of old or unneeded chemicals and pesticides safely at your local environmental recycling center.
9. Buy environmentally friendly or limited quantities of traditional cleaning products.
10. Keep exposure to perchloroethylene emissions from newly dry-cleaned materials to a minimum by airing out your dry-cleaning before bringing it into the house.
11. Avoid the use of pressed wood products and other formaldehyde-emitting goods.
12. If you have to use traditional pesticides, ventilate the area well after pesticide use.
13. Use non-chemical methods of pest control when possible.
14. Keep exposure to moth repellents to a minimum.
15. Keep exposure to dryer sheets to a minimum.
16. Run ceiling fans to keep air circulating.
17. Regularly replace your central system air filters (1-3 months) with a HEPA rated filter.
18. Consider purchasing an additional air filtration device.
19. Open you windows to let fresh air in.
20. Bring plants into the house that absorb toxins.
Indoor air quality is an important sustainability concept to consider for general health or the pursuit of a sustainable lifestyle. With a few small changes, you will feel an immediate change in your home. Have fun with it and good luck!
source: blog.taigacompany
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