Pollution continues to be a relevant issue
even today as we turn our attention to the indoor. Indoor air is more polluted
than before because of substances such as moulds, mildews, allergens, odours, cooking
oil fumes,, building materials and furnishings,that stay in the atmosphere such
as carbon monoxide. If we want the air inside our house to be purer, we should
know what to avoid.
Volatile components are emitted into the air
from certain building materials that give rise to allergies, eye irritation and
breathing problems. These VOCs (Volatile organic compounds) or poisonous
pollutants such as formalde-hyde, benzene and trichloromethylene are present in
products that we commonly use.
When you select paints for your house you
should be aware of the facts. Paints were earlier made from solvents based on
petroleum. Paints with low VOCs are made today by using water as a solvent. As
they have reduced off fassing (emitting of toxins) these paints lead to healthy
interiors.
Before you decide on the chouce of wooden
boards you use, check the adhesive used. Boards such as plywood, particle
boards and medium density boards quite frequently utilize formaldehyde based
resins to hold hyde based resins to hold together the wood components. When the
fumes of this VOC touch the eyes, the eyes will water.
It is advisable not to have wall to wall
carpets in homes, as they are filled with allergens. Bacteria, mould, mildew,
dust mites and animal hairs are found in them. If you muse use them, you should
have regular and thorough professional cleaning done for them. Smaller carpets
are easier to clean and so are to be preferred. Cotton carpets are easier to
clean than those of wool and synthetic fibres.
Cotton furnishings are easier to clean and
maintain considerably reducing the problem of dust allergens. Furnishings that
can be washed and dried are better than ones which can only be dry cleaned.
Short term allergies can often be caused by chemicals given off from dry
cleaned articles.
Lacks of ventilation is also a major cause
for unhealthy interiors. Natural ventilation is helped by good placement of
doors and windows. Cool air usually comes in through windows facing south and
east. Cross ventilation is facilitated by having large windows on one side of
the flats with smaller openings on the other side.
Mesh screens should be used if opening doors
and windows is difficult on account of mosquitoes. Shutters or doors that are
louvred help in ventilating air. Bathrooms and kitchens should be fitted with
exhaust fans and kitchens could even have electric chimneys. For circulation of
air it is good to have electric fans. Frequent cleaning of air conditioners
improves the air quality.
The quality of indoor air becomes better
through the presence of plants in the room. Studies undertaken all over the
world testify that plants act as strong air purifiers. According to some
studies, specific VOCs can be combated by certain specific plants. Spider
plants, philodendron species, Boston ivy and rubber plants are good purifiers
on the whole.
The wet top soil should not contain any
moulds and water must be emptied from the plate regularly so that mosquitoes
don't breed. Leaves should be wiped or washed regularly to keep them free of
dust. Organic pesticides like neem cakes are preferable to chemicals. If you
desire to have healthy interiors try to use natural materials as furnishings
and accessories in order to keep your selection 'green'.
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