The culprit causing coughs, headaches, and colds exists in the house
Many people are increasingly conscious of protecting their health by wearing masks when going out to avoid inhaling cigarette smoke, dust, toxic emissions... However, are you really safe when you step inside your home?
The answer is: "No", because polluted indoor air is just as potentially harmful as air pollution on the street.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 3.8 million people die each year from exposure to indoor air pollution. The sources of this pollution are quite diverse, including many types of gases, chemicals and other substances. In addition to cigarette smoke, cigar smoke, cooking fumes, emissions from lighting equipment, there are also a number of household appliances and products that cause air pollution. Together with inadequate ventilation systems, doors that are often closed, these pollutants can sometimes cause death. Eliminating the source of pollution helps you improve the quality of air and life.
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Regularly cleaning the house, keeping the air circulating and clean is a way to protect health. |
Common causes of indoor air pollution
- Tobacco smoke: WHO lists smoke as one of the most dangerous and familiar types of pollution. It does not stop at tobacco smoke, it also includes pollutants from the burning of kerosene for cooking, lighting, causing bronchitis, emphysema and heart disease.
- Excessive humidity: High humidity is one of the most important but least recognized indoor pollutants that affects human health and the longevity of a home. When moisture accumulates, mold and dust mites can trigger asthma or allergies, destroy wood products and accelerate the rusting of metal building components.
- Gas-operated appliances: They produce carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and water vapor.NWithout proper ventilation, pollutants can spread throughout the home. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization notes that exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can cause health risks such as reduced mobility, increased rates of asthma in children, cardiovascular disease and death.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): These include formaldehyde and other volatiles emitted from products we commonly use such as paints, waxes, aerosol sprays and other cleaning products.
How to improve indoor air quality
- Place air-purifying plants indoors: A study conducted by NASA has identified plants that can clean the air in your home. You can place one or two pots of plants in different areas of your home, including your bedroom, to keep the air clean.
- Create a smoke-free environment: According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, since 1964, about 2,500,000 non-smokers have died from health problems caused by exposure to secondhand smoke. Keep your family safe by declaring a smoking ban in your home. Besides reducing air pollution, quitting smoking also helps you avoid health problems.
- Choose eco-friendly products: Be a smart shopper. Before you put a product in your cart, carefully review the ingredient list. To be safe, choose organic and eco-friendly products.
