Indoor air quality can be compromised as it may contain chemicals and other contaminants including bacteria, mold, carbon monoxide, and radon as well as allergens and other air pollutants. In fact, indoor air quite often is of much worse quality than outside air. This is because air becomes stagnant and holds on to pollutants. Ventilation and filtration systems can help to dilute these contaminants. Molds, allergens and other biological agents are often caused by moisture and/or natural substances such as pet dander and pollen.
There are several ways to improve air quality including using moisture management and humidity control systems and increasing ventilation as well as decreasing the amounts of chemicals and pollutants that are used on a regular basis within your home. HEPA air purifiers and whole-house filters are also recommended. Also having certain houseplants can reduce toxins like benzene and formaldehyde because they take in carbon dioxide and expel oxygen.
Good Plants for improving air quality include:
1. heartleaf philodendron
2. elephant ear philodendron
3. cornstalk dracaena
4. English ivy
5. spider plant
Mold:
Mold is a microscopic fungus that feeds off of other organic matter instead of photosynthesis. Mold spores can cause irritation of the throat, lungs, nose and eyes. During the life cycle of molds they actually excrete a defecatory matter in the form of liquids or gases that can be toxic but cannot always be detected by smell. These substances can be lethal to humans as well as domesticated pets and other animals. Skin infections including athlete's foot and jock itch are caused by dermatophytes (a type of parasitic fungi).
Mold thrives in moist environments. So if you have a leaky roof or pipes or sewer backup, it would be smart to fix those right away. Since mold needs a moist environment to grow in, use the air conditioner or a dehumidifier for prevention. A natural and safe way to get rid of mold would be to mix vinegar or tea tree oil with water and get scrubbing. Don't use bleach and other harsh chemicals. Those are bad for you and the environment.
Dust Mites:
Belonging to the arachnid family, these microscopic monsters munch on dead skin cells (dander) shed from humans and pets. Beds, pillows, couches, drapes and carpet may have huge numbers of mites. There could be at least tens of thousands on your mattress. One hundred thousand mites can live in one square yard of carpet. While for the most part mites aren't seriously harmful, it becomes a bigger deal for people with sensitive allergies and asthma. Many people are allergic to mite droppings.
Continuously vacuum the surfaces where mites gather (mattress, pillows, carpet, drapes, stuffed animals)
Wash sheets and covers in hot water frequently
Get rid of that carpet - use wood or linoleum or tile. Or smaller area rugs that are easier to clean.
Use mattress and pillow encasements to seal your bedding from mites and bedbugs
Carbon Monoxide:
It is an odorless, colorless, and non-irritating gas that cannot be tasted or detected without specialized equipment. This gas is toxic and claims more lives than any other type of poisoning. This gas can be found in your house and is commonly given off as an exhaust product of furnaces or heaters as well as wood burning stoves and equipment that runs on propane. Pollution often contains carbon monoxide as does cigarette smoke. With time carbon monoxide will dissipate and is also naturally converted to carbon dioxide. Carbon monoxide can cause depression, dementia, hallucinations and listlessness (lethargy, fatigue). Oftentimes cases of carbon monoxide poisoning have caused the sufferer to believe the home was haunted by ghosts. New appliances that are improperly installed are usually the culprits when it comes to carbon monoxide in the home. Proper ventilation can assist in removal of carbon monoxide and detectors can be used to warn of increased levels.
