Good morning, this is your Wellness Wake Up Call with University of Illinois Extension.
Did you know, we spend about 90% of our time indoors? It’s imperative to take steps to improve the indoor air you breathe. The most vulnerable to poor air quality are children, older adults, and people with health conditions like asthma and heart disease.
Indoor air pollutants can have short-term and long-term effects on health such as headaches, skin irritation, emphysema, and even cancer.
Follow these 7 steps to improve your indoor air quality and protect your health:
- Remember to dust and vacuum at least once a week, and more often if you have pets, children, and allergies.
- Open your windows for 10 minutes each day. This no-cost habit will help dilute the pollution inside your home.
- The key to mold control is moisture control. Keep your home between 30-50% relative humidity and watch for condensation on walls or windows- a sign of high humidity.
- Test your home for radon. This should be done every two years even if you have a mitigation system in place.
- Ensure your furnace filter has a MERV-13 rating and change your filters regularly.
- Avoid air fresheners and choose unscented or low-VOC cleaners.
- Protect yourself from wildfire smoke indoors. You can create a “clean room” at home, use portable air cleaners or make your own DIY version using an air filter and box fan.
This week, take steps to improve your indoor air and breathe better with these 7 steps.
Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. This has been Kristin Bogdonas, nutrition and wellness educator with University of Illinois Extension.
Additional Resources:
American Lung Association: Let the Air In
EPA Publications about Indoor Air Quality
Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality
Power Outages and Indoor Air Quality
Radon and Indoor Air Quality
