6 Natural Ways to Purify Air at Home

Health

Did you know: The air inside your home is actually two to five times more polluted and toxic than the air you breathe outdoors? It's appalling, really. We go for regular health check-ups, pop pills on a daily basis, stress over allergies, but neglect the most basic thing there is - the quality of the air we breathe 24/7. Everything from the mattresses we sleep on to our kids' pajamas can contain harmful chemicals and toxins. Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja, Healing Touch Hospital says, "Breathing in toxic gases can cause rashes, coughing, irritation in the eyes, as well as asthma like symptoms.

A team of researchers led by the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom published a study on air pollution in Delhi, also known as 'the most polluted city in the world'. According to the study, New Delhi suffers from a "toxic blend of geography, growth, poor energy sources and unfavourable weather which boosts dangerously high levels of air pollution". And since we spend so much of our time inside the house (an average of 90%), we thought it fit to list natural ways to purify the air at home and your workplace. After all, breathing in clean air should be a priority.

1. Increase Ventilation

6Natural Ways to Purify Air at Home

Ventilating homes reduces moisture levels, a major problem for indoor air quality. But no, we're not asking you to open a window and let all the outdoor air pollution enter your living space. Instead, install trickle vents to purify and cycle the air you breathe indoors. Another great alternative is to use exhaust fans which help carry pollutants outside. Make it a point to ventilate your kitchen since cooking can be a major source of indoor air pollution, especially if you have a gas stove. Scientists who measured indoor air quality found that cooking a single meal on a gas stove can produce levels of nitrogen dioxide that the EPA considers unsafe to breathe. Also, after you take a shower, be sure to vent out all the steam and extra moisture in the air which can cause mold and mildew growth by turning the fan on.

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