10 Ways to Cut Down on Air Pollution in Your Home
One of the defining characteristics of COPD, CHF and similar conditions is the breathing difficulties they cause. People who suffer from these conditions have to put much more effort into breathing, which may result in shortness of breath, fatigue or a variety of other symptoms.
It certainly doesn’t help, then, when air quality problems at home exacerbate the issue. Indoor air pollution may be caused by any number of issues, some more obvious than others, and it’s approximately three times worse than outdoor air pollution. We took a look at the problems and came up with some of the best solutions for ensuring the air in your house doesn’t worsen your COPD.
Where There’s Smoke…
By this point, we all know about the damage cigarette smoke inflicts upon the lungs, so there’s probably no need to belabor that point. But this kind of smoke is more insidious than you might suspect. Obviously, if you want to maintain good indoor air quality, you shouldn’t smoke in the house – but even if you smoke outdoors, you can bring chemicals and particulates back in the house on your clothes as third-hand smoke. Then it can settle in carpeting or fabric, causing problems over time. And, yes, the same worries apply to vaping.
And although the mind naturally goes to cigarettes when the topic is harmful smoke, they’re not the only culprits. Building a fire in the fireplace also releases soot and smoke into the air. The same goes for cooking at high temperatures, so consider lower temperatures when possible.
Ventilate!
The first suggestion on this one is pretty easy: Bring in fresh air from the outside. Open windows and doors – one room at a time, if you’re worried about temperature – and use window and attic fans if possible. You can also use a window air conditioning unit with the vent control open, as well as portable and ceiling fans. This is especially important if you’re going to be engaging in high-pollutant activities such as painting or sanding (and can’t just do those things outdoors).
You can also take advantage of other built-in fans. Make judicious use of bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, particularly when it comes to gas stoves, and check to make sure they work properly. Make sure your dryer vents to the outside as well.
Keep Things Clean …
Chemicals and allergens can accumulate in dust over the course of decades, so keeping dust to a minimum is an important step in keeping the air in your home as clean as possible. Use a vacuum with rotating brushes and a HEPA filter to make sure you do a thorough job. Dust judiciously, and consider using microfiber dusting cloths rather than cotton. Be sure to check out difficult-to-reach areas. And if you don’t have carpet, mop regularly, too – but use water rather than strong soaps.
Some other cleanliness suggestions? Keep trash covered and contained, reducing unpleasant aromas. The same goes for food – it may not give off bad smells, but it can attract bugs if left out, and bug infestations often necessitate use of harsh chemicals.
… But Not Too Clean
A clean home may have better air quality than a dirty home, but how you clean is important. A lot of cleaning products are made with harsh chemicals, which can irritate the lungs, nose, mouth and skin. That includes soaps and cleansers you might use on floors, counters and bathroom surfaces. There are homemade solutions that may be much less irritating – water, lemon, vinegar, bicarbonate soda, etc. A combination of baking soda and sliced lemon can give you a clean kitchen scent without all the chemicals.
You should also pay attention to the way you clean your clothing, as scented laundry products – such as – can irritate. That includes detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Even lingering dry cleaning chemicals may have a negative effect.
The Facts About Fabric
It may not be a problem you can solve in a day, but carpet is a big offender when it comes to indoor air pollution. Dust, particulates and other noxious problems can accumulate in carpeting, making air quality worse over time. If you have carpet, and you’re given the opportunity to replace it with another flooring material, it’s probably worth taking!
A quicker solution is to keep those particulates from getting inside in the first place. If you don’t have a no-shoes-in-the-house rule, establish one – or at least put down a welcome mat so people can wipe their feet before they walk on anything else. Particles can also settle in bedding, so it’s recommended that you wash bedding weekly, using hot water.
Good Sense on Scents
The tools we use to cover up unpleasant odors can sometimes cause more trouble than the odors themselves. Scented candles, incense, air fresheners and perfumes may smell nice, but they also release particulates into the air. Instead of trying to cover up an aroma you don’t like, focus on getting rid of the source of that aroma.
Don’t Give Mold a Chance
Nobody needs to be told that mold in the home is bad for air quality (and everything else!). Mold thrives in moisture, so take steps to reduce humidity in the house – 30% to 50% humidity is generally recommended – through use of a dehumidifier or air conditioning unit. Be sure to regularly empty the drip pans in both, though. If you find any water leaks, get those taken care of right away, and be sure to check the roof and window frames after heavy rainfall. And, of course, mold has an easier time getting a foothold when it goes undetected – so clean up clutter, giving it fewer places to hide.
Get Your Dander Up (and Out)
Even if you’re not allergic to pet dander, it can still clog the air and make it more difficult to breathe. Bathing pets regularly significantly reduces the amount of dander they release into the air, so that should be part of your routine.
Air Purification
There are products on the market designed to clean and purify the air in your house. If you’re going to use an air purifier, you should make sure you use one with a HEPA filter – otherwise, it might create as many problems as it solves. Some air purifiers are far more effective than others, so do some homework before you pick one.
There’s a more natural option for purifying your air: houseplants. Some types of plants can reduce the levels of harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, in the home. Just be careful not to overwater them, though, as this will bring excess moisture.
Inspect the Uninspected
There are some air pollutants that you’re not likely to notice on your own. In these cases, it’s wise to retain the services of a professional. Have your HVAC systems checked regularly, and replace the filters regularly while you’re at it. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., so a radon inspection is probably also worth your time. Gas appliances should be checked annually by a gas engineer to ensure they’re working properly as well.
Get Help with the Harder Tasks
The unfortunate truth is that, for many people with COPD and CHF, a lot of this information isn’t new. The tricky part isn’t knowing what to do, it’s being able to do it. If you have COPD or CHF, you may qualify for ViaQuest Hospice, giving you access to hospital-level care in the comfort of your own home. Doctors, respiratory therapists, social workers, home health aides, volunteers and 24/7 on-call nurses are all part of the program, and are all available to ViaQuest Hospice patients – often at no cost, as we accept Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances.
Think ViaQuest Hospice might be a good choice for you or a loved one? Contact us to find out more, or take our quiz to find out whether you qualify!
