There is lot of buzz of air pollution these days. Suddenly, there is growing awareness and concerned about air quality. While government agencies have been studying this for quite some time now, there have been no credible solutions found which are easy to implement by individuals. At larger levels, Car Days etc have been tried out in various Nations including Delhi.
I wish to bring focus on Indoor Air Pollution! Actually, while doing research to launch Air Purifier, a new product division for my organization, it got to know many surprising facts.
Many would be shocked to know that air quality in door is more polluted then out door. Do google, and you would know claims that it is 10 times worse than out door.
Surprising, because we keep our house the cleanest. But our lifestyle and way of living in itself causes indoor air pollution.
Most common causes are Plants which release Pollens, Pets/ Human hair & dander, Dust, furniture and wall paints, house hold cleaning products, personal grooming products like fragrances, perfumes etc, cigarette and kitchen smoke, incense sticks being used for daily prayers. Bacteria, virus, VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are aplenty indoors. Air Conditioners circulate same air again & again.
Of course, I am not going to give harmful effect of all above air pollutants, please do google or meet a pulmonary doctor. But, one would agree that above pollutants can’t be avoided being part & parcel of daily routines. So what to do? Also Air pollutants cause more damage to our body health then water as we consume around 5-6 liters of water compared to some 18000 liters of air every day (google please).
Well, I am not suggesting to go and buy Air Purifier right away. There are few ways by which one can reduce indoor air pollution. It is a known fact that Land and Sea breeze replenishes our outdoor air twice a day.
I recall my parents always advised to find home having a cross ventilation & natural light, whenever, we switched home on rent, in fact many a times. I did not understand then but now it is very clear. CLEARLY, LET’S ADOPT OLD PRACTICES OF DAILY LIFE to reduce indoor pollution.
So, first thing, do ensure that you allow fresh air to pass through your house at least 3 times a day to refresh. Sun has UV rays which destroy bacteria and viruses therefore, to possible extent, let direct Sunlight come inside. In case cross ventilation is not possible, then create artificial ventilation by installing exhaust fans at appropriate place / direction so that air circulation is made possible. In case direct Sunlight is not possible, then do ensure that you place all your curtains, upholstery, linens and pillow etc in direct sunlight at least once in a week to make them disinfectant. We must ensure that we dry all our clothes in Sunlight even if that means going to roof top. This would make our clothes free from impact of detergents which are essentially chemicals and release odors.
Modern day living practices also needs to be followed strictly if one has to stay healthy and safe from Indoor pollutants.
Kitchen smoke needs to be vented out thru proper exhaust system. Run exhaust longer then precooking and post cooking. Avoid to maximum possible all odors / fragrances. Use lesser oiled pooja lamps covered from top so that fumes don’t circulate in indoor air.
Daily vacuuming is a must, if one is having pets, carpets and heavy curtains. Otherwise at least once a week entire dust of house must be removed thru vacuum process collected and thrown outside the house in proper waste disposal. Door / window grills, curtains are another big dust traps, do brush then weekly with your nose & mouth covered.
Some of my colleagues argued that no point avoiding pollution in house because otherwise one is always exposed outside thus immunity would reduce. Well, my simple question is that what is better – having 100% impurity causing 100% damage to inner system Or having 66% impurity causing 66% damage considering that one third time – 8 hours are spent at home.
Taking above way of daily life, we can definitely bring down indoor pollution levels. And if one wants to be more careful about indoor air then Air Purifier usage is recommended. Just like most of us use some or other kind of Water Purification solution at our homes.
Stay Healthy, Stay Peaceful.
Life Kraft 