With many of us hopefully spending more time indoors to help protect our lungs until the smoke clears up, there are several ways in which we can make sure the air inside our homes is as healthy as possible.
Did you know that certain types of candles only serve to put more chemicals and soot into the air? Or that cooking a single meal on a gas stove without proper ventilation can produce levels of nitrogen dioxide that the EPA considers unsafe to breathe? Here’s a few tips to help keep the air in your home more clean and clear:
1) Increase ventilation and filtering. If you haven’t already done so in the past week, check your air filter because it likely will need to be changed after all the smoke we’ve had (even if you just changed it in the last couple of months). To go a step further, or if you don’t have central air, keep bathroom and stove top fans going regularly to help with air circulation. At the very least, always have the stove top fan going when cooking. Air purifiers are also fantastic things to have on hand during times like these to catch what these other methods often miss. Quick tips: By using a dampened cloth you will avoid stirring up more dust particles into the air. Also, remove your shoes so you don’t track in everything from outside.
2) House plants in the space is a great way to help counter indoor pollution. One plant for every 100 square feet is the best unit of measure. Look for Devil’s Ivy, Philodendron, Spider Plant, Chrysanthemums, and Areca Palms as good options for cleaning indoor air. Also make sure that your plants are pet-safe if you have pets. Also cleaning leaves regularly helps control dust and dirt and promote plant’s ability to clean the air.
3) Candles…even when we’re not going through times like these, it’s good to avoid paraffin candles. These are derived from petroleum and release benzene, toluene and soot into the air, not to mention the chemicals from artificial fragrances. Quick tip: beeswax candles can act as air purifiers.
4) Carpets can act like a toxic sponge. Clean them often, especially near the entries to your home. Quick tip: using a doormat and taking your shoes off at the door can reduce common toxins by up to 60%.
If you’ve been having any issues from the poor air quality, whether due to pre-existing lung conditions or exacerbated seasonal allergies, Hawthorn is here to help. Call now at 541-330-0334 for an appointment or use our Request an Appointment form with Dr. Auerbach, or to schedule with your established Hawthorn Healing Arts provider.