Improving air quality in your home

Lately, wildfires burning in Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and California, have made it nearly impossible to see the Rocky Mountains from the Niwot-Gunbarrel area, and the air quality is noticeably hazy. Luckily, there are some ways in which you can improve the air quality in your home:

• The most obvious solution is to decorate your rooms with houseplants. NASA has revealed that houseplants can remove up to 87% of air toxins within 24 hours. Other research has shown that indoor plants improve concentration and productivity, reduce stress levels, and improve your mood. Seeing greenery can help you feel more relaxed and calm. The best kinds of houseplants are dracaena, peace lily, common ivy, English ivy, gerbera daisy, pot mum, and mother-in-law’s tongue. Check out these web links to learn more about NASA’s research: https://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2019/cg_7.html and http://www.wolvertonenvironmental.com/NASA-Report-89.pdf,

• Remember to dust your houseplants. As silly as it might sound, the leaves collect dust particles which reduces the plant’s ability to photosynthesize. Simply wipe the leaves with a damp cloth.

• Speaking of dusting, vacuuming your floors is a simple solution to removing any pollutants or yesterday’s potato chip crumbs.

• Clear any clutter from your desk or kitchen counter, as clutter will attract dust.

• Throw away your scented candles, as they often release harmful toxins into the air.

• Wash bedding twice per month to eliminate dust mites.

• Brush and bathe your pet regularly.

• Wash mold off non-permeable surfaces, such as tiles and metal, using a soap solution.

• Use an air purifier.

• Improve ventilation in your home by changing out the filters in your heating and cooling systems.

• Turn on your kitchen vents whenever you’re cooking. Gas stoves release harmful contaminants, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen monoxide. Electric burners produce those same pollutants, but in lower levels.