When you take a deep breath, you might smell the outdoors, a scented candle, or the aroma of dinner on the stove. All of which are (hopefully) appealing.
But when you take a deep breath, you are also breathing in potentially toxic fumes, chemicals, allergens, and a slew of other pollutants that take a toll on air quality and can exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms. What’s worse, we willingly bring many of these pollutants into our own homes.
So during the month of May, take a moment to think about the health of the air you breathe, and celebrate Clean Air Month by taking a few simple steps to improve air quality for your family and for generations to come.
Choose safer house-hold products.
Opt for “green” cleaners that don’t contain harmful fumes and artificial fragrances. Better yet, make your own! Olive oil and a squirt of lemon juice can replace your store-bought furniture polish, while baking soda and a little water make a great soft-scrubber. What’s more, these natural cleaners are safe to use around children, so you might even get them to help you clean. And if you’re planning to freshen up a room or two, choose low-VOC paint. While it’s a little more expensive than traditional paint, it’s better for your family and for the environment.
Maintain your central air conditioning system.
Clean or replace air filter regularly, and have your system cleaned and inspected to make sure it’s operating at max efficiency. You’ll enjoy the benefits of cleaner indoor air, savings on your home energy bill, and reduced emissions.
Park the car.
Commit to walking, biking, carpooling or taking public transportation at least one day a week – or even once a month. If you must drive, keep your car in tip-top shape. Regular oil changes and tire pressure checks will help it run smoothly and get the most out of its gas mileage, which helps reduce emissions.
Unplug.
Using electricity wisely can greatly reduce air pollution. Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use, and only run dishwashers and washing machines when full. Consider replacing energy draining appliances with more efficient EnergyStar models.
Here’s one more way to enjoy cleaner indoor air: with a whole-house air filtration system from Baylor. The right system can remove up to 99% of allergens and pathogens that come in contact with the filter. For more information or to schedule installation, contact Baylor today.
