6 Ways to Overcome Indoor Air Pollution

Without you knowing it, there are many things that can be a source of indoor air pollution. Sources of this pollution can be chemicals from household cleaning products, formaldehyde from furniture, cigarette smoke, the smell of wall paint, mites or mold that clings to items, or carbon monoxide from gas stoves.

Indoor air pollution can cause various health problems, such as lung cancer, pneumonia, asthma, acute respiratory infections, allergic reactions, and skin irritation. Children and the elderly are at high risk of suffering from these various health problems if they are exposed to indoor air pollution.

So that you and your family are always healthy, there are several ways to deal with air pollution in the room that can be applied, ranging from choosing cleaning products that are free from harmful chemicals, making sure the room you live in has good air ventilation, to installing an air purifier. 

How to Overcome Indoor Air Pollution

Here are some ways to deal with indoor air pollution that you can do:

1. No smoking indoors

Cigarette smoke is often a source of indoor air pollution. In addition, cigarette particles that stick to the surface of objects, such as sofas or mattresses, and are inhaled when you inhale can also be harmful to health.

Therefore, if you are an active smoker, make sure to always smoke in an open space and clean yourself up before spending time with your family indoors. Tell how to deal with indoor air pollution to your friends or family members who are also active smokers.

2. Choosing the right home cleaning products

Many household cleaning products, such as glass, floor, or toilet cleaners, contain harmful chemicals that can be left in the air when you use them.

As a way to deal with air pollution in the room due to the use of this cleaning product, pay attention to the packaging label of each product you buy. Choose home cleaning products that are labeled organic, natural, or environmentally friendly so that you and your family are free from toxic chemicals.

3. Using furniture that is free of toxic chemicals

Wood furniture, especially composite wood, usually uses a special glue that contains formaldehyde compounds to glue each piece together.

This compound is classified as dangerous and can spread in the air. If inhaled, formaldehyde from this furniture can cause health problems, such as bronchitis.

The way to deal with air pollution in the room that you can do is to choose used furniture. This is because the formaldehyde released by furniture tends to decrease over time. In addition, you can also choose furniture made of solid wood instead of composite wood.

4. Ensure that every room has good ventilation

Without proper ventilation, the levels of radon gas and carbon monoxide in your home or space can increase. Both gases can come from building materials, tap water, or gas cylinders for cooking.

To overcome air pollution in the room due to these two harmful gases, make sure your home has good ventilation, especially in the bathroom and kitchen. Windows and doors should also be opened so that air can flow in and out smoothly.

5. Putting plants in the room

There are several plants that are known to be effective in cleaning the air and can be used as a way to deal with air pollution in the room. These plants are Dracaena, Spathiphyllum or peace lily, and Hedera helix or ivy leaf.

However, indoor plants must also be cared for properly so that they do not become a medium for mold growth and trigger allergic reactions.

6. Installing an air purifier with a HEPA filter

How to deal with indoor air pollution that you can do next is to install an air purifier or air purifier. This product can be placed in your bedroom and living room.

Air purifier products are highly recommended for use in homes inhabited by the elderly, children, or people with asthma, allergic rhinitis, heart disease, and lung disease.

It is recommended that you choose an air purifier that uses a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. HEPA is a mechanical air filter that works by separating clean air from harmful particles, such as pollen, fleas, cigarette smoke, or mold.

This air filter with HEPA is known to be able to remove 99% of harmful particles in the air and is even thought to be able to destroy the virus that causes COVID-19.

If you want to buy this product, it's a good idea to find out how much air the filter can clean. If you want to place it in a large room, choose an air purifier that is large enough.

In addition, you can also deal with indoor air pollution by installing a dehumidifier or air conditioner (AC). This is done to reduce humidity, minimize the use of air fresheners, and clean dusty surfaces.

The air you breathe every day greatly affects the health of you and your family. Therefore, make sure the air in the room is pollution-free by applying some of the ways to overcome indoor air pollution above. If you still have questions about how to deal with indoor air pollution, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.