More Than Mary Tumblr, I never really think about how clean the air is...

I never really think about how clean the air is INSIDE my house. Probably because I don’t suffer from allergies or asthma. It was brought to my attention in this infographic that not only is in the air in the house not clean (2-5 times more polluted than outside according to the Environmental Protection Agency), but that it can be harmful. Carbon Monoxide isn’t the only culprit. Below is a list of things you can do to help remove toxins and keep the air clean inside your home.

Buy an air purifier to remove dust, pet dander, and pollen that cause allergies and asthma.
Test for Radon, it’s the second largest cause of lung cancer aside from cigarette smoke.
Avoid installing carpets that trap EVERYTHING. If you have carpets, seek out a HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Air) vacuum. More eco-friendly flooring options here.
Don’t let cars idle in the garage. The C02 can infiltrate your home.
Buy indoor plants (a good list here) that can help extrapolate certain toxins.
Buy low or NO VOC (volitale organic compounds) paints and varnishes that don’t emit toxins and cause side effects. Read more here.
Ventilate your house often by opening windows and turning on exhaust fans.
Avoid using window fans to cool rooms. They pull in pollen from outside.
Keep out moisture that will cause mold and mildew. Inspect for and fix any leaks asap. Buy a dehumidifier if necessary.
Cover furniture with slip covers and clean them frequently if you have pets. More on pets here.
Avoid toxic cleaning products. Again, look for Low-VOC on the bottle. Here are tips for green cleaning.
Use chemicals as a last resort to fight pests.