Most people don't think much about indoor air quality, but they should. It can be a matter of sickness or health.
"I think people are interested, but on the other hand, they don’t do these little tasks to keep their own air clean," said Mary Farrell, a senior editor at Consumer Reports, which has conducted testing of air purification systems.
Regardless of what is said about air pollution, people still smoke inside the house, and use chemicals for most of their house cleaning products.
But for people who want to improve their indoor air, there are options.
They can start with by reducing the source of the pollution, said Barbara Polivka, a University of Louisville nursing professor who expertise includes home health. "Pay attention to what you bring into the home," she said. "Read the labels.
"If you are burning a candle and there are a lot of chemicals listed, you might want to think about that," said Polivka, who is researching indoor air pollution and asthma in older adults.
Adding houseplants can also be good for your indoor air.
If for some reasons these actions are not enough, it is recommended to install a quality air purifier. Most however only filter particles such as dust and pollen. To remove odors, gases, and VOCs, people need to buy systems with activated carbon.
Avoid air purifiers that generate ozone, because they are actually harmful to your health, damaging your lungs and considered by US FDA to be carcinogen even in minute concentration.
AIR CARE SOLUTIONS
