Breathe Well: Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is a crucial aspect of our home environments, whether we reside in existing or new houses. Fortunately, there are immediate actions we can take to ensure that we breathe well in our homes. Personally, my journey towards better indoor air quality began with a conscious choice to switch to non-toxic and safer cleaning products. Nowadays, there is a wide range of these products available both in local stores and online, making it easier for us to make healthier choices.

It’s also important to consider the construction and age of our homes, as these factors play a significant role in the actions we can take to improve indoor air quality. Older homes, originally designed for coal heat, tend to be leakier, while homes from the 1970s and 1980s were built to be more energy-efficient but may lack proper ventilation. There’s a common misconception that homes need to “breathe,” but in reality, it’s the people inside who need to breathe. The term “a home needs to breathe” refers to the concept of fresh air being brought in and stale air being exhausted, just like how we breathe.

To draw a parallel between our homes and our bodies, the ventilation system, often integrated with the heating and cooling system, can be considered the “lungs” of our homes. These “lungs” draw in fresh air and expel the bad air. Imagine wearing a scarf while breathing—it acts as a filter for the air entering and exiting your body. Similarly, the materials present in the walls, ceilings, and floors of our homes act as the “scarf” that filters the air coming in and out through leaks.

Uncontrolled air movements caused by these leaks can introduce unwanted pollutants such as mold, mildew, and allergens. For instance, if your home has batt insulation with inadequate air sealing, the fiberglass material in the batts becomes the filter for air passing through the leaks.

A more effective approach to ensure proper airflow is to envision a snorkel, exhaling stale air while bringing in fresh air in a controlled manner. By creating a tight seal around our homes and implementing good ventilation practices, we can ensure that air enters and exits as directed.

Breathing is an essential function, and none of us want to knowingly have substances in our homes that compromise our ability to breathe well. However, it’s human nature to ignore potential issues when we can’t see, smell, or detect them. It’s time for all of us to read labels and take responsibility for our actions and wellness within our homes. Mold, mildew, and chemicals can significantly impact indoor air quality and our health. Many of us are becoming increasingly sensitive to allergens, toxins, and chemicals, resulting in a rise in respiratory ailments like asthma, allergies, and COPD. Prevention is key, and taking steps to improve indoor air quality can prevent potential health issues down the line.

So, how can we enhance indoor air quality in our homes?

First and foremost, we should strive to control the pollutants entering our homes. Opt for less-toxic or non-toxic materials when selecting paints, adhesives, sealants, caulk, flooring, wall coverings, cabinetry, and furnishings. Look for options with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and materials that do not contain urea formaldehyde. Nowadays, it’s easy to find low-to-no VOC paints, finishes, sealants, and adhesives that offer excellent performance with fewer toxins. In cases where these options may not be available, allowing the home to off-gas by opening windows for a few days can help.

Secondly, focus on sealing up your home as much as possible. By using caulk to seal cracks and small penetrations, you can significantly reduce air leakage. Engaging an energy auditor is a wise choice, as they can identify areas in your home that require sealing. If you’re building or remodeling, pay extra attention to sealing wherever two materials meet.

• For homes with attached garages, ensure proper air sealing between the garage and the living space to prevent fumes and exhaust from entering.
• Weather-stripping and adding a gasket around the door between the garage and home can further enhance the seal.
• If you have a fireplace, make sure it is vented correctly to avoid indoor air pollution.

Seeking professional help in these areas can make a significant difference.

Thirdly, it’s crucial to store chemicals safely or, better yet, limit their use in your yard and home. Many household and yard products contain toxic chemicals and emit harmful fumes. If a product poses a hazard to children and pets, it’s worth reconsidering its presence in your home. Numerous non-toxic and safer alternatives are available for maintaining a healthy home environment. Additionally, exploring natural methods for addressing common issues around the house can prove beneficial.

There are various approaches to adopting a green and sustainable lifestyle, one that prioritizes the responsible selection of materials with known chemical compositions and transparency about their safety for our homes. Taking the time to research the products we bring into our homes can go a long way in improving indoor air quality.

Seeking professional assistance can help you navigate the complexities of improving indoor air quality.

An energy auditor possesses the expertise to identify areas where improvements will have the greatest impact and recommend suitable changes. Moreover, interior designers and decorators who are knowledgeable about sustainable and green options can help create a home that not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also performs well in terms of indoor air quality.

Prioritizing indoor air quality is vital for our well-being.

By making conscious choices such as using non-toxic cleaning products, sealing our homes effectively, and limiting the use of harmful chemicals, we can create a healthier living environment. Remember, prevention is key, and investing in the improvement of indoor air quality today can lead to a healthier future for ourselves and our loved ones. So, let’s take responsibility for our actions and strive for cleaner, fresher air in our homes.

Buy my favorite air purifier here