Hazards of pollution hardly have any solution. We all think the same when we are taking the flyover and watching emissions coming from the factory area and we hurriedly close the windows of our cars or wrap a cloth around our nose. We reach home and we wash our face and feel so safe from the outdoor pollution. But do you know there is pollution even at your home?
Some common pollutants at your home could be carbon monoxide which is quite toxic and even fatal at high levels. Other chemicals that evaporate from dry cleaning or air fresheners are potentially carcinogenic at high levels, but no one knows what effects they may have at the levels commonly measured in homes. It can even cause cancer. Not all pollutants are traceable. If you notice unpleasant smells, you surely have a pollution problem at home. If you live in a well-insulated, energy-efficient home where windows and doors fit tightly, you are more likely to have polluted air than if you live in a drafty house with poor insulation and old windows and doors.
SYPTOMS IF YOUR HOME IS SUFFERING FROM POLLUTION
1. Viral or flu in family members often.
2. Unexplained headaches.
3. Fatigue, irritated eyes, coughing, skin rashes, and dizziness.
4. Asthmatics in small children and people with chronic illnesses are most likely to suffer from the adverse effects of indoor air pollution.
KEEP YOUR HOME POLLUTION FREE
Air at your home entirely belongs to you. Keep it clean. Though it is not possible to have absolutely pure indoor air, but you can keep levels of pollutants reasonably low.
1. Maintaining a flow of air in your living space. Open windows and doors every now and then.
2. Use venting systems and mechanical ventilation (that is, fans vented outdoors), particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and any room with a fireplace, woodstove, or stove. If your bathroom or kitchen lacks windows and vent fans, consider installing proper ventilating fans over your stove. When the weather permits, operate a window fan or a window air conditioner with the vent control open.
3. Open doors between rooms.
4. Don't smoke, and don't allow smoking in your home. Cigarette smoke increases the risk of respiratory problems.
5. Don't use air fresheners, scented candles, potpourri, incense etc. They mask rather than remove odors.
6. Avoid mothballs. These also produce benzene and naphthalene fumes. To combat moths, clean clothing before storing: dry-clean woolens and wash washables. Store clothes in airtight containers, without mothballs.
7. Use a high-quality doormat, since shoes can track in pesticides, dirt, and other kinds of pollutants.
8. Vacuum floors and rugs frequently. If you have allergies especially to dust, dander, dust miles, or pollen, get micro filtration bags for your vacuum cleaner.
9. If you are buying unfinished pressed wood furniture of building materials, check for formaldehyde content in the products.
10. Use hair sprays, nail polish, polish removers, and spray perfumes sparingly and in well-ventilated areas.