We live in a world that suffers more every day the effects of pollution. The air we breathe, as well as the water we drink, is less and less pure. However, we can apply some suggestions to make it less harmful: we tell you how to protect your home from air pollution.
The air pollution has reached such a point that there is practically no corner in the world that is not affected by it. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) warns in several publications about the consequences of urban air pollution and indoor air pollution.
Origins of pollution
In the cities we can differentiate, as we see, between the pollution of the environment, or external, and the urban. WHO lists the following sources for the gases that pollute the air we breathe every day:
- Inefficient combustion of fossil fuels or biomass: this includes waste from cars, ovens and wood stoves.
- Rudimentary techniques of heating and lighting.
- Chemicals from building materials and cleaning products.
- Homes located very close to pollution sources, such as factories.
Here we can also add the dust that comes in from the outside and the waste of the pets, like their little hairs.
6 ways to protect your home from air pollution
Luckily, we have certain ways to avoid this harmful contamination. The good thing about these recommendations is that they are easily applicable, do not hesitate to put them into practice!
1. Place plants
Yes, it is the best solution you can consider to protect your home from air pollution. As is known, the plants have the ability to absorb carbon dioxide present in the air we breathe and replace oxygen.
However, we must have certain qualms in the cases of people allergic to pollen ; in them, the effects can be counterproductive.
2. Use natural products
As the WHO mentions, cleaning products contain chemicals that are harmful to our health. Much more in the case of aerosols, which pollute the air much more.
Therefore, a very important recommendation is to appeal to natural products. The list of those that you can take advantage of is very broad; its star protagonists, however, are sodium bicarbonate, borax, white vinegar, lemon, among others.
3. Prevents the accumulation of dust and other substances
There are two fundamental places in your home that can accommodate a large number of substances threatening health. It’s about the air conditioning filter and the carpet.
It is advisable to change the air conditioning filter at least once a year. With regard to the carpet, you should aspire it frequently ; If you moisten it to wash it or if it gets wet by accident, try to dry it immediately. If you do not, the bacteria will spread all over the place.
In the case of dwellings inhabited by people with respiratory difficulties, the measures should be even more extreme.
4. Do not light aromatic candles or smoke
Often, it is we ourselves who generate the air pollution in our home. If you really want to protect your home from air pollution, you’d better not use scented candles- or at least not for long periods of time- let alone smoke indoors. Both products contain highly toxic substances for the body.
5. Acquire an air purifier
Logically, if you want to protect your home from air pollution, nothing is more effective than a purifier. This device has filters that are capable of absorbing almost 99% of the polluting particles.
Thanks to this simple artifact, your environments will be purer, cleaner and smell better. Undoubtedly, a worthwhile investment.
6. Replace wood burning fireplaces and stoves
These elements have two negative consequences. The first is that natural resources are burned to generate heat; This, in addition to being harmful to the environment, favors the appearance of harmful substances in the air. On the other hand, the remains of ashes are scattered all over the place; you will not be able to avoid breathing them.
Air pollution is a central issue that affects 9 out of 10 people in the world. From our humble space, we can take small preventive actions.
In short, these are actions that can save lives. As recently reported by WHO, 7 million people die annually from the harmful effects of polluted air substances. For that, each one from the place that touches him.