Interior Design & Decor

There are researches that prove indoor air quality could be worse than outdoor air. This is because most homes have been built or renovated without taking the factors affecting fresh and healthy air circulation and ventilation. There are also homes prone to indoor air pollution due to the multitude of furnishings, appliances and other home products. Knowing the signs of air quality problems and the appropriate measures you could take on is needed to have better and healthier air in your home.

The signs of this problem include unusual and prevailing odors, stale or stuffy air, damaged flue pipes or chimneys, excessive humidity and presence of molds and mildew. These could arise from different sources. The contaminants could be initiated in any part of the house. These are combustion products like carbon monoxide from unvented gas stoves, ovens, heaters and furnaces. Moisture and biological pollutants like molds, dust mites, animal dander and cockroaches are also harmful sources. Formaldehyde, radon, lead and asbestos are a few of the elements mostly present in everyday household products and furnishings. These could be found from durable press draperies, textiles, cabinets, furniture framing and adhesives, groundwater wells, aerosol sprays, paints, solvents and even air fresheners.

As there are many objects and materials found to be the origination of air quality problems, the remedies are manifold too. You could start with the living areas. Before buying any pressed wood furniture or getting paneling and cabinetry, ask about the formaldehyde content. Rather prefer those with phenol resin that emit less formaldehyde. Always vacuum clean carpets. When water-damaged, immediately dry it up or remove and have it dried outdoors. Eliminate moisture sources by installing exhaust fans and/or dehumidifiers. You could also clean up the molds and mildew with chlorine bleach solution. A cup of bleach mixed in a gallon of water would be enough to clean a medium sized kitchen.

The bathroom should be well maintained too. The personal care products like deodorants, hair sprays, shampoos and perfumes release organic gases. The simplest remedy here is to pick odor-free or non-aerosol products. When you are using these products, open the window or switch on the exhaust fan. If possible, avoid using air fresheners. It would be better if you use the exhaust fan or open the windows. If you really prefer the fresheners, select the natural products.

In the bedroom, humidifier/vaporizers are also encouraging factors of biological allergens. Maintain this device’s cleanliness and refill with fresh water on a daily basis. Moth repellents are usually found in this area of the house. These contain chemicals harmful when inhaled. Place these in tightly sealed containers and away from where most activities happen.

The utility room is where the clothes washer and dryer, gas or oil furnace, gas water heater, furnace insulation and asbestos pipe wrap are usually found. Regularly check if the duct, vents and surfaces are free from dirt. Carbon monoxide is mostly found in these sources, so an annual inspection is your best guard against poisoning from this compound.

The signs are very recognizable, thus, it would be very easy for you to provide the remedies. It is best to act now so you could start breathing easy and healthy inside your home.