Steps to Improve Air Quality in Portland Homes

(ARA) – You carpool to work or school, drive conservatively and never use the drive- through, where a car’s idling engine can pump pounds of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. You’re doing your part to improve outdoor air quality. But what about the quality of the air inside your home?

Air pollution inside the home can be five times higher than outdoor pollution, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to health problems ranging from respiratory disorders to chronic fatigue. Science and common sense both support our natural craving for clean air. Improving the air inside your home creates a more healthful – and enjoyable – environment for your family.

Fortunately, you don’t need to replace your house’s entire HVAC system to improve air quality. Several simple and small steps can help your family breathe easier in your home.

Get the Damp Out

If the air inside your home carries excess moisture, your house will feel sticky in the summer and clammy in the winter. Dampness also collects on surfaces and in fabrics, and can promote the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria and even insect infestations.

To reduce dampness, use a dehumidifier and be sure to empty its water tray frequently. Install and use vent fans in areas where moisture is generated, like the bathroom and kitchen. In the kitchen, cover pans when you cook so that less moisture is released into the atmosphere. Be sure your clothes dryer vents to the outside of your house, and if you decide to “line dry” clothes indoors, place wet garments in the bathroom, close the door and run the vent fan.

See the Light

More Americans are using candles for aromatherapy purposes to create an ambiance that is warm, relaxing and therapeutic. But all that ambiance may actually ruin the atmosphere inside your home if you’re burning paraffin candles. Petroleum-based paraffin candles release 11 toxins and two known human carcinogens when burned. In fact, paraffin candles are made from the poorest quality leftover crude – stuff that even the gasoline industry rejects.

These toxins undermine the therapeutic value of burning candles, and harm the healthfulness of your home environment. You don’t have to give up ambiance to improve indoor atmosphere, though.

All-natural products, like Natura Lights Candles can provide all the benefits of candles without the harmful toxins. Made from 100 percent natural, American-grown Vege Soy wax, these eco-friendly candles burn longer and cleaner than traditional paraffin candles. Derived from natural plant waxes, Vege Soy is a renewable energy source – and any wax drips clean up with soap and water. Natura Lights Candles are available in a range of popular scents like gardenia, vanilla and currant, and in an array of designer colors. Visit www.naturalights.com for more information.

Can the Chemicals

Much of the contaminants found inside homes are things people put into the air themselves, from cleaning solutions and air fresheners to cigarette smoke and perfumes. Reducing the amount of chemicals you use inside your house can help improve overall air quality.

Instead of traditional chemical cleaning agents, consider natural cleaners. Many manufacturers are now offering cleaners made with all-natural ingredients and no harsh chemicals. You can also make your own cleaners using water and time-honored cleaning agents like vinegar.

From minimizing your use of chemicals indoors to choosing environmentally friendly candles, you can improve the quality of the air inside your home – and feel confident that you’re helping your family as well as the environment.

Courtesy of ARAcontent