Cherri Design

Clean Your House’s Air Pollutants

Cherri Rodgers has a B.S. In Interior Design from UCA. She is active in several local ministries & community projects. Most of all, she values time with her family and grandson. Cherri's Interior Design is available for both residential & commercial design or decorating needs.

If you are like most Americans, you spend about 90% of your time indoors between work, home, and more. Reports from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) state that indoor air is about five times more polluted than outdoor air. According to research, this puts you and your family at a greater risk of health problems, such as cancer, neurological issues and cardiovascular disease. Irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, dizziness, headaches and fatigue are even triggered by short-term exposure. Cleaning up the air inside your home creates a healthier haven for you and your family.

First, consider the twelve most frequently found pollutants in homes. Furniture is typically treated with formaldehyde, fire retardants and many other harmful chemicals. These chemicals off-gas in your home, causing a multitude of health problems. Dry-cleaned clothing also off-gas high levels of a cancer-causing chemical, perchloroethylene. Be sure to air new furniture and dry-cleaning outdoors, such as in a garage, for several days before you bring inside.

Gas stoves, woodburning fireplaces and tobacco smoke release toxins into the breathing air in your home. To reduce these toxins, limit your usage and smoke outdoors. New construction or remodeling, along with paint, fills your home with pollutants. However, there are products available that are not as toxic, so do some research before you begin your project.

Candles, air fresheners and household cleaning products (such as dryer sheets, laundry detergent, bathroom cleaners) are some of the deadliest products in our homes, causing a multitude of health problems. Simply mopping your floor with a pine scented cleaner generates as many airborne particles as cars on a busy city street. But the difference is these particles are now trapped inside your home.

Perfume and cologne are filled with deadly chemicals that are not only released into your breathing air, but stay with you all day on and in your body. Aerosols with pressurized chemicals, such as hairspray and deodorant, use chemical propellants, filling your space with pollutants.

Fortunately, we can clean up our breathing air, thus preventing numerous health problems. Become a plant parent, as studies show that potted plants greatly reduce indoor air pollutants. In one study, houseplants reduced carbon dioxide and volatile compounds by 30%. Also, freshen your home naturally by opening windows as often as possible. Invest in an air purifier with HEPA technology, reducing particulates floating in the air. Consider using in or near the kitchen, if you have a gas cook stove. I personally have a particulator and notice a difference, when faithful to run it anywhere in my home.

Replace cleaners with healthier options, such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon, oranges and even liquid soap, or consider making your own. Look for products made with only natural, nontoxic ingredients, which are becoming more readily available. Swap out air fresheners and candles with diffusers and essential oils.

While it is impossible to eliminate all indoor air pollutants, we can safeguard ourselves with many healthy or less harmful options. N