6 Natural Ways to Purify
Air at Home
As Lahore air
pollution remains at hazardous levels, we've listed 6 natural ways to purify at
home.
Did you know: The air inside your home is actually 2 to 5 times more polluted and toxic than the air you breathe outdoors? It's appalling, really. We go for regular health check-ups, pop pills on a daily basis, stress over allergies, but neglect the most basic thing there is - the quality of the air we breathe 24/7. Everything from the mattresses we sleep on to our kids' pajamas can contain harmful chemicals and toxins. Dr. Asim khan. Amir, Healing Touch Hospital says, "Breathing in toxic gases can cause rashes, coughing, irritation in the eyes, as well as asthma like symptoms.
Did you know: The air inside your home is actually 2 to 5 times more polluted and toxic than the air you breathe outdoors? It's appalling, really. We go for regular health check-ups, pop pills on a daily basis, stress over allergies, but neglect the most basic thing there is - the quality of the air we breathe 24/7. Everything from the mattresses we sleep on to our kids' pajamas can contain harmful chemicals and toxins. Dr. Asim khan. Amir, Healing Touch Hospital says, "Breathing in toxic gases can cause rashes, coughing, irritation in the eyes, as well as asthma like symptoms.
A team of
researchers led by the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom published a
study on air pollution in Delhi, also known as 'the most polluted city in the
world'. According to the study, New Delhi suffers from a "toxic blend of
geography, growth, poor energy sources and unfavorable weather which boosts
dangerously high levels of air pollution".
As Lahore
air pollution remains at hazardous levels, we've listed 6 natural ways to
purify at home.
Did you
know: The air inside your home is actually 2 to 5 times more polluted and toxic
than the air you breathe outdoors? It's appalling, really. We go for regular
health check-ups, pop pills on a daily basis, stress over allergies, but
neglect the most basic thing there is - the quality of the air we breathe 24/7.
Everything from the mattresses we sleep on to our kids' pajamas can contain
harmful chemicals and toxins. Dr. Asmin Khan. Amir, Healing Touch Hospital
says, "Breathing in toxic gases can cause rashes, coughing, irritation in
the eyes, as well as asthma like symptoms.
Formaldehyde,
a toxic gas, is found in insecticides, glues, shampoos, shaving creams, carpets
and is actually a carcinogen. It is even found in cigarette smoke which is a
major contributor to air pollution and can lead to potentially fatal complications,
even if it's secondhand smoke. Also, chemicals from paint, woodwork in the
house or office, hair and nail products, cleaning products and detergents - all
contribute to air pollution inside our homes. It surprises me how so many
potentially harmful contaminants get trapped inside our homes, and we can't
even open a window to get some fresh air!
A team of
researchers led by the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom published a
study on air pollution in Delhi, also known as 'the most polluted city in the
world'. According to the study, New Delhi suffers from a "toxic blend of
geography, growth, poor energy sources and unfavorable weather which boosts
dangerously high levels of air pollution".
2. Beeswax
Candles
Beeswax
candles act as natural air purifiers. If you love to fill your home with
scented candles, avoid paraffin candles which are petroleum derived and release
benzene, toluene and soot into the air. Since these candles do more harm than
good, opt for beeswax candles which ionise the air and neutralize toxic
compounds and other contaminants. Besides improving the air quality at home,
beeswax candles burn slowly so you don't need to replace them often. In fact,
pure beeswax candles burn with almost no smoke or scent. They are especially helpful
for asthmatics and to remove common allergens like dust from the air.
3. Salt
Lamps
A salt lamp
is another great natural air purifier. "Salt crystal products tend to
reduce airborne irritants, pathogens and allergens by pulling water vapour out
of the air. Himalayan pink salt is a natural ionic air purifier that pulls
toxins from the environment and neutralises them", says Dr. Asim khan.
Amir, Healing Touch. Simply adding a Himalayan pink salt lamp in your room or
near your desk at the office does the trick, in terms of functionality and
decor. You can leave it on at night as well, since the natural orange glow
doesn't disrupt sleep hormones. Note to remember: Salt lamps improve air
purification much more when they are turned on, but surprisingly work when
turned off too.
4. Activated
Charcoal
Use
activated charcoal as a natural air purifier. A fantastic way to purify indoor
air is with activated charcoal, also referred to as active carbon. It's odorless,
highly-absorptive and works wonders with eliminating toxins from the air.
Another fantastic way to purify air at home naturally is bamboo charcoal.
5.
Houseplants
NASA
conducted a study which stated, "Houseplants can purify and rejuvenate air
within our houses and workplaces, safeguarding us from any side effects
associated with prevalent toxins like ammonia, formaldehyde and also benzene."
It's the best way to counter the impact of pollution indoors, particularly if
you have a family member with some respiratory illness. It's suggested that you
have at least one plant per 100 square feet of home for efficient air cleaning
to be accomplished. The best plants to filter toxins from the air are Peace
Lily which prefers moderate sunlight, Lady Palm or Broadleaf Lady Palm which is
adaptable but prefers bright, indirect light.
Areca Palm,
also referred to as Butterfly Palm, Golden Cane Palm and Bamboo Palm grow in
bright, indirect light and can be kept anywhere, especially in carpeted rooms
or those which have recently been painted. Chrysanthemum, commonly referred to
as Pot Mums loves bright sunlight, and Money Plant i.e. Golden Pothos - also called
Devil's Ivy, Money Plant, Silver Vine, Centipede Tongavine - is adaptable. Another houseplant which helps
purify the air is English Ivy - often called Common Ivy or European Ivy and can
be kept in rooms with computers, printers, fax machines et al. Boston Fern also
grows easily in bright light and is best for hanging baskets. Spider Plant is
useful in kitchens with gas stoves as it helps control carbon monoxide and
xylene.
6. Essential
Oils
In the
presence of essential oils like cinnamon, oregano, rosemary, thyme, grapefruit
lemon, clove, tea tree - viruses, fungi, bacteria and even mold cannot survive.
Studies from Weber State University show that Thieves Oil has a 99.96% kill
rate against airborne bacteria. It is an antiseptic blend of pure essential
oils including pine needle, cinnamon, thyme, eucalyptus, lemon and grapefruit
which helps keep the home free from germs and purifies the air. You can add it
to soaps and detergents to breathe fresher, cleaner air.
10 Quick
Tips
1. Carpets
are a toxic sponge. Clean them often. Especially the part of the carpeting near
the entry of the house. According to an EPA study, if you use a doormat and
take shoes off at the door - common toxins are reduced by about 60%.
2. Eliminate
excessive moisture, dust build-up and the use of chemical products like paint,
detergents, and synthetic fibers. Side note: Say no to dry dusting! Use a damp
cloth to clean up and to avoid breathing in all the dust particles which are
lifted into the air while you clean.
3. Quit smoking,
and prevent guests from smoking inside your house.
4. When it
comes to household items, always be on the lookout for au naturel alternatives
to chemical-laden items.
5. If you
have plants at home, clean leaves regularly to get rid of dirt.
6. Take off
your shoes! Shoes carry coal tar, cigarette ash, pesticides, fungal spores,
lead dust, pollen, wood smoke, industrial toxins, mutagens, dust mites, and who
knows what else!
7. Resist
the temptation to open windows and cool your home by using ceiling fans,
heat-blocking window treatments and minimising the use of heat-producing
appliances.
8. Since dry
cleaning solvents can be toxic to breathe, first let dry-cleaned items air
outdoors before bringing them inside in order to prevent chemicals from
entering your home.
9. Know the
limitation of air purifiers, as they can help reduce some of the tiniest air
borne particles to an extent but fail to get rid of larger particles
effectively.
10. Clean
your air conditioner to help keep asthma triggers away from your house. And as
soon as you notice drips and leaks, get it fixed.
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