People spend around 90 percent of their lives indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Unfortunately, indoor air quality is sometimes two to five times more
polluted than the air outside. Poor air quality in the home and office
can result in people developing health conditions like Sick Building
Syndrome. Indoor air quality can be improved with natural methods for
air purification, such as using plants and crystals as air purifiers.
Air quality in the home
Many
factors can contribute to poor air quality in the home. People smoking
indoors, using products with chemicals, and allowing moisture buildup
that breeds mold all reduce indoor air quality. Chemicals from paint,
household cleaning products, and detergents cause indoor pollution when
they evaporate. Allergens, germs and toxic gases like formaldehyde enter
the home from outside or are carried in, which creates a need to purify
the air.
Top 5 plants for clean air
Plants absorb carbon dioxide and emit clean oxygen. Some plants also purify the air. NASA
conducted a study to determine the best plants for air purification.
The research document stated that "house plants can purify and
rejuvenate air within our houses and workplaces, safeguarding us all
from any side effects connected with prevalent toxins such as
formaldehyde, ammonia, and also benzene."
The top five plants to clean air according to the study include:
• Areca palm
• Lady palm
• Bamboo palm
• Rubber plant
• Janet Craig dracaena
Including
these plants around the home make the air cleaner and add a natural
touch to improve decor. However, adding plants for clean air is not
going to eliminate dust or pollen.
Salt crystal lamps for air purification
Salt
crystal products help to reduce airborne irritants, allergens, and
pathogens, such as fungi and bacteria. Salt crystal lamps consist of a
crystallized salt structure with a light inside. Salt crystal candles
are also available.
Salt naturally attracts water. Salt crystal
lamps pull water vapor out of the air, which means it attracts things
like pollen that are floating around in the air as well. When the water
vapor, plus hitchhikers like pollen, hit the crystal structure, the salt
dissolves the vapor. Turning salt crystal lamps on improves the air
purification process because the lamp creates heat, but they work even
when turned off.
Salt crystal products are generally small, but are sold in various sizes to fit different indoor areas.
Ventilation for good air quality in the home
Another
important strategy to purify the air is proper ventilation. Opening
windows, adding exhaust fans and installing well functioning exhaust
systems in appliances helps to carry pollutants outside.
Ventilating
homes also reduces moisture levels. Too much moisture indoors
contributes to mold, a major problem for indoor air quality.
Risks of poor indoor air quality
Poor
air quality in the home can lead to health issues. Allergens such as
pollen, dander and dust can cause unpleasant allergic reactions.
Cigarette smoke in the home leads to serious and potentially fatal
complications, even from secondhand smoke.
Toxic gases like
formaldehyde may lead to a range of issues. Formaldehyde is a
carcinogen, yet is found in glues, insecticides, carpet, and wood
materials in the home or office. It is also in cigarette smoke.
Breathing in formaldehyde may cause rashes, coughing, and irritation of
the throat, nose and eyes. People with asthma are particularly sensitive
to formaldehyde.
Improving air quality in the home and other
indoor areas can cut back on health problems. Clean air also smells
fresher and feels less stuffy, which creates a more welcoming
environment.
