How to keep Indoor Air Clean

If you think you are breathing polluted air only when you are outside, on the road or in an industrial area, think again. Even the air in your home may be polluted. Some of the major causes of indoor air pollution are often hidden in our daily utilities.

1. Accumulated dust and microbes,

2. Kitchen emissions,

3. Chemicals in cleaning products,

4. Perfumes,

5. Craft supplies,

6. Paints,

7. New furniture,to name a few.

The only way to tackle dust is to regularly clean every nook and cranny of the house. Washing bed linen and curtains in hot water everyweek prevents dust mites from accumulating. When cleaning ceiling fans, use a wet cloth to wipe as it minimises the dust from blowing.

Never turn on the stove in a closed room with no ventilation. Open the windows or turn on the exhaust fan. Carbon monoxide and Nitrogen dioxide are emitted in small quantities while cooking. These gases are potentially harmful when inhaled. Inhaling cooking gases for prolonged periods of time takes a toll on respiratory health. It effects lung function and may cause chronic diseases like asthma. Ensure the burners and gas-tube are leak proof so that cooking gas doesn't escape.

Common household cleaning products emit gases which irritate our air passages and are sometimes toxic. Instead clean the house with hot water, baking soda, vinegar and good old soap.

Avoid air fresheners and use natural aroma oils or herbs for a fresh fragrance.

Even perfumes and other personal care items irritate the lungs and are not to be used daily. Children are especially sensitive to such chemical fumes.

Have'nt you noticed that your child's craft supplies like colour pens, glue, paints smell of chemicals? Although most of these are labelled non-toxic, they still contain substances which fume during use and storage. So next time, your kids get crafty, head outside.

Most of us are uncomfortable entering a newly painted house or room. The paint fumes overwhelm you. Some of the house paints used today emanate fumes with no odour. Select no-fume paints for your home.

New furniture made of pressed wood contains formaldehyde, not to mention the varnish/ paints both of which emit toxic fumes. Keep the furniture in a well aerated area for a few days if possible and then move it inside the house.

To have your kitchen smelling fresh, boil any citrus fruit peel in a dish of water for 5 minutes. Try and habituate the use of salt, lemons, baking soda and vinegar for household cleaning purposes.

Filter your Indoor Air from particulate matter by running the air conditioner. Remove and clean the AC filter regularly.