Healthy Living: Air
You may be surprised to find out that indoor air routinely contains a higher level of chemicals than outdoor air. There are several simple steps that can be taken to improve indoor air quality. Of particular importance is the bedroom environment, since each person spends between 7- 10 hours there each day.
What you can do:
- Open windows whenever possible to circulate air.
- Clean indoor air with plants and air filters. Plants help to oxygenate the air we breathe, while filters help to remove impurities from indoor air.
- Change the filter in your residential furnace and air conditioning system regularly. The Filtrete Ultra Allergen filter is endorsed by the American Lung Association and has a recommended change interval of three months.
- If possible, replace carpet in the bedroom with wood floors. Carpet collects molds, fungi and other respiratory irritants. If you do have carpeting, vacuum regularly.
- Avoid sleeping in a room that has been recently carpeted. New carpet releases harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde into the air. Open windows and air the room out for at least a week before sleeping in it. Better yet, have new carpet installed while on vacation!
Whenever possible, use nontoxic building materials and carpets.
If you have clothes that have been recently dry-cleaned, don't hang them in your bedroom.