Last week’s air quality made it difficult to breathe
outside, even for those who are healthy. Winter can be an especially tough
season for many people with asthma or other respiratory issues when the
pollutants in the air rise to unhealthy levels.
Those of us in metro Phoenix were advised to stay indoors
and were forbidden from burning wood in fireplaces. The haze in the sky was
visible, and experts recommended that vulnerable populations take additional
care for their lung health.
The recent rains have cleared out some of this pollution,
but it’s a reminder that we can do things inside our homes to clean the air and
protect our family’s health.
Vacuum and mop.
Your vacuum, especially those with HEPA filters, can suck up pet dander, dust
and pollens that have settled into the rugs and carpet. Mopping will pick up
additional dust and allergens.
Add a humidifier.
A small room humidifier can help you to breathe easier and will improve how
your skin feels, too. You want to keep humidity levels around 30-50 percent
inside your home.
Ban smoking.
This tip is simple, and the easiest way to improve the air inside your home.
Change your air
filter. Check your lease; you may already be responsible for changing your
air filter on a regular basis. If not, contact your management company, and
they will likely do it for you. This will help to clean the air in your home
and might even save you some money as your system will operate more efficiently
with a clean filter.