Step 1. Eliminate
Removing the causes of indoor air pollution at their source is the first and foremost
step in improving your indoor air quality.
Cleaning
A regular, thorough cleaning program with a true HEPA filtered vacuum and
finely woven microfibre cloths will go a long way to reducing the
build-up of pollutants on smooth surfaces.
Water is usually sufficient for
general dusting and light cleaning, especially when using
a high quality microfibre, which picks up dirt and bacteria.
Reducing the Use of Toxic Chemicals
Thousands of chemicals
have been developed for industry and commerce, and only a fraction
of these have been tested for their effects on humans. Of those that have been tested,
many have been found to be hazardous and have been implicated in conditions ranging from
chronic respiratory disorders to cancer.
Among the greatest concerns to health are Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs)—chemicals that are emitted as gases
into the air from certain solids or liquids at room temperature.
A wide array of VOCs are found in everyday household and
personal products. These products, which number in the thousands, include:
- • scented laundry detergents
- • fabric softeners
- • household cleaning products
- • 'air fresheners'
- • scented candles
- • perfumes
- • scented soaps
- • skincare lotions
- • hair gels and sprays
- • dry cleaning
- • crease resistant fabrics
- • carpets
- • new upholstery
- • building and renovation materials
- • finishes, paints and lacquers (and their thinners)
- • paint strippers
- • pesticides
- —and the list goes on...
Particles
In addition to elimination by cleaning, removal of particles can sometimes be accomplished
only with high efficiency air purifiers.
These minute, invisible particles
in the air present a serious threat to our health. Not only are they are problem in themselves,
they also carry toxic substances. They evade the body's natural filtering mechanisms
and penetrate deep into lung tissue. They can also cause irritation of the nasal passage, sinuses and eyes.
Pollutants in this category includes dust, pet dander and pollen.
'Hybrids'
These pollution sources create both particle and chemical pollution; therefore we call them
'hybrids'. For example, mold spores (particle)
produce mycotoxins(chemical)—both of which can be inhaled and wreak havoc in our bodies.
Tobacco smoke is made up of particles which carry thousands of chemicals into the air, ready
to be inhaled by non-smoking bystanders.
Again, cleaning and ventilation can help to reduce the growth of biological contaminants.
A 'no smoking indoors' policy can reduce the effect of these toxic pollutants in our homes and businesses.
Taking the First Step
It's important to minimize
the build-up of harmful pollutants by eliminating
or reducing them as much as possible.
Look around your home, office and workplace and see what can be changed to improve your indoor air quality. Small sure steps are often more effective than a giant
leap. Awareness and common sense are your best guides. Eliminating the use of aerosol products, and having an 'outside only' smoking policy are
examples of positive contributions to the health of your
personal environment.
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