Indoor air pollution

Dealing with air pollution is hard when you live in a big city. Even living in a small city can expose your lungs to unhealthy toxins. Businesses are constantly looking for ways to reduce indoor air pollution, especially for those employees that struggle with respiratory problems.

Allergies are a common problem for several people. A wet spring can leave high amounts of pollen and spores in the air. People will breathe this in and can have breathing problems. If you are a smoker, the breathing problems will intensify. Individuals that are prone to allergies need to make sure they are washing their hands often. The last thing you need is a head cold on top of your allergies. Use some anti-bacterial hand wipes to clean the phone, keyboards, doorknobs, and other things that people could touch.

A good air purifier with a HEPA filter can really reduce indoor allergies. Make sure you clean the air purifier often and be sure to replace the filters when they get dirty. Another simple thing you can do is wash your hair before you go to bed. Pollen tends to stick to hair and you don't want to collect it in your hair all day and then go to sleep with it.

Dealing with smoke can cause respiratory problems for everyone. If you live with people that smoke, kindly ask them to smoke outside. Co-workers that smoke should always do so at least 20 feet away from the building. Some may come back inside smelling like smoke, the only thing you can really do to combat the smell is to turn on your air purifier. If you ride in the same car, ask them not to smoke in the car. Most smokers are willing to wait until you leave to smoke.

It is not uncommon to be exposed to fumes in the office. Cleaning chemicals are always prevalent in buildings. Try to avoid going into a room right after it was cleaned because the fumes are still in the air. If you must go into that room, open a window and turn on a fan.

Another common indoor air pollutant is dust and dirt. It is easy for computers to attract dust and other indoor air irritants. Keeping your workplace clean can limit your exposure to dust. Try to clean the air vents regularly especially during the winter months when the heater is on. Make sure you speak to your employer about cleaning the air ducts and furnace. If you have a company fridge, find out how often it is cleaned. The water pan under the fridge needs to be cleaned often to reduce indoor air pollutants.

Air pollutants are often caused by poor air circulation. If your office doesn't have proper air circulation, purchase a fan and keep it on everyday. This way the air will move around and you will get some air circulation. If you use a ceiling fan, make sure you clean it often. It can build up with dust quickly and the dust will start floating around your office the next time you use it. Open up the window to allow fresh air to come in.

Indoor plants are another air pollutant. Since the plant soil is moist, it can grow mold. Mold is a common air pollutant and a source of allergies for many people. If there is an office plant, make sure it is far away from where you work. Watch out for plants that are outside your window. You don't want to open the window only to allow pollen to come inside and cause you to start having lung problems.