FT NEWS

News reports about rising pollution levels in all Indian cities are enough to make us want to go into hibernation forever. We are all battling toxic air everyday – especially during winter when the quality of air drops as the fog merges with the smoke around. What we are left with is a thick smog, pulling us down physically and psychologically. However, while we talk about the depleting environmental conditions outdoors, what about the menace that’s brewing indoors?

Home air pollution is a combination of particulate matter (dust, mould, pet dander and particles from smoke and cooking stoves) and gases (volatile organic compounds, chemical fumes, from heating and cooking appliances). This invisible cloud of doom hovering about us is as harmful as the one we face outside, simply because usually it has no way to dissipate and it surrounds us all the time. The good news is that the problem can be controlled through a mix of natural and product solutions. In this ideabook, we discuss key ideas on creating a pollutant-free indoor all year round.

Clean the home thoroughly
One of the foremost things that are instrumental in creating a non-polluted home is ensuring that it is clean.

Airborne dust particles sweep into our homes through windows, doors and cracks. They are a mix of mineral, metallic, chemical, organic and vegetable dusts, and biohazards like moulds and spores. They settle into the fibres of carpets or furniture, or in the tiniest crevices of our homes, creating breathing issues or allergies. Although you may be keeping your home thoroughly clean, the minuscule elements may still linger on, so just a daily cleaning or vacuuming schedule may not be enough. Consider engaging the services of a professional carpet and furniture cleaner once a month to deep-clean your rugs and sofas. Also, microfibre mops and brushes can help brush out those tiny particles hiding inside hard-to-reach corners of your kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms.

Opt for low-VOC products
If you are planning on buying a new carpet, painting your home, redoing your flooring or purchasing new furniture, look for products that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are chemical compounds found in building materials such as cement, paint primer, paints, adhesives, PVC components and furnishings, which evaporate into the surrounding environment over time and lead to health problems like headaches, respiratory issues, fatigue, poor concentration and allergic reactions. There is more awareness about the effects of VOCs now and you can find manufacturers that offer products with fewer toxic emissions.

Keep the home smoke- and moisture-free
Smoke is harmful; we know we must get rid of it. But moisture has ill effects, too: dust mites and mould love moisture. So, make it a practice to switch on the exhaust fan after showering or cooking, so that the smoke and moisture is flushed out. Those who would like to go a step further can opt for a dehumidifier that helps reduce moisture indoors and effectively control allergens.

Consider air purifiers
Increasing airborne pollution can lead to a slew of physical ailments. Air purifiers can make for a smart choice as these help remove a good amount of pollution from the air. They work like water purifiers, as they suck the air from the room, pass it through a filter and push clean air out. The market offers a wide variety – it’s worth making a trip to the store to find out more about these units and how they can help keep the air in your home clean.