We’ve all been told time and time again that air pollution is a problem.
When we’re told how to address it, though, we’re usually told that we need to drive less or turn out the lights when we leave a room.
What we’re not told, though, is that the air inside our homes can be up to 10 times more polluted than the air outside.
Before we tackle cleaning up the air outside, we need to take steps to make sure we’re not breathing in toxic air inside our own homes.
Listed below are seven pieces of air pollution control equipment you ought to use to purify the air and avoid exposure to toxins.
Health Risks of Air Pollution
Exposure to indoor air pollution has been linked to a variety of serious health issues. Some of the most common health problems associated with indoor air pollution include:
- Chronic runny nose and nasal congestion
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Difficulty breathing
- Chronic sore throats and coughs
- Worsening asthma and allergy symptoms
- Lung disease
- Eye irritation
- Rashes
- A less responsive immune system
- Rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath
- Chronic headaches
- Chronic fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle pain
Air pollution exposure can also lead to an increased risk of lung cancer.
Air Pollution Control Equipment
Clearly, air pollution is a serious problem. You can’t really control what the quality of the air is outside, but you can take steps to make sure the air inside your home is as clean as possible.
Here are seven pieces of equipment you ought to purchase to keep your indoor air fresh and clean:
1. HEPA Purifier
One of the best tools you can buy to clean the air inside your home is a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) purifier.
A HEPA purifier functions similarly to a wet ESP (electrostatic precipitator), which is often used to purify the air in large factories and industrial buildings.
HEPA purifiers do a great job of drawing in toxins from the air and trapping them so you cannot breathe them in.
If you can, buy a purifier for each room in your home. At the very least, invest in ones for the rooms in which you spend the most time.
2. UV Lamp
Another great piece of equipment to have on hand is an ultraviolet (UV) lamp.
This lamp sits near the indoor coil of your HVAC system and kills off mold and bacteria before they can spread throughout your house or enter your air supply. A UV lamp basically stops these harmful substances in their tracks.
Many people don’t even realize they’ve been exposed to mold and bacteria until it’s too late and they’re already experiencing symptoms. The sooner you can fend them off, the better.
3. Ventilator
Sometimes, your home does not allow enough air flow. If your home lacks proper ventilation, you could experience many of the health problems listed above.
A ventilator helps to pull fresh air into the home while also getting rid of old, stale air. This is a great tool for people who find that the air in their home often feels stuffy or stale.
You can also use a ventilator that works with your HVAC system and lowers energy consumption. This is great for your overall carbon footprint, as well as your monthly energy bill.
4. Essential Oil Diffuser
Some people roll their eyes at the idea of an essential oil diffuser doing any good inside their home. There are plenty of others, though, who swear by them.
There are a few essential oils that are known to have air purifying benefits, including tea tree, peppermint, lavender, and chamomile.
Diffusing these in your home will purify the air and help the home to smell fresh and clean. At the very least, it’s much better than spraying toxic air fresheners all over the place.
The key is to make sure you’re purchasing organic, 100 percent pure essential oils. Avoid blends that are made with artificial fragrances.
5. Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Carbon monoxide is a deadly airborne contaminant that is odorless and colorless. Many people have no idea that they have a carbon monoxide leak in their home until it’s too late.
A carbon monoxide alarm will detect a leak and give you the time you need to call a professional to come and fix the problem before anyone in your family becomes seriously ill. It’s especially important to install these alarms near the bedrooms in your home.
6. Humidifier
In addition to keeping the air in your home clean, you also ought to take steps to maintain proper humidity levels.
Dry air can contribute to respiratory issues and even increase your energy bills. It can also make it much harder for you to get a good night’s sleep.
Invest in a whole-home humidifier that will add moisture to the air with steam or water vapor. If you can’t afford a whole-home humidifier, at least purchase humidifiers for the bedrooms of your home.
7. House Plants
This isn’t technically a piece of equipment, but house plants are still a great tool to keep the air in your home clean.
Plants like the spider plant and the garden mum absorb particulates in the air and take in carbon monoxide while releasing oxygen.
Consider investing in a few houseplants to supplement the work being done by these other pieces of equipment. They’ll clean up the air and add to the ambiance of your home — it’s a win-win!
Get More Tips to Healthify Your Home
As you can see, there are many different types of air pollution control equipment you can purchase to purify the air in your home and keep your family safe from potential health risks.
Are you interested in learning about other tools and techniques you can use to keep your family healthy and safe?
If so, you need to visit the Health section of our site.
You’ll find lots of helpful articles here on everything from improving your family’s diet to choosing the best personal care products for them.
Check it out today — you’ll be amazed at how much you learn!
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