It causes miscarriages, early delivery, and low birth weight. It contributes to diseases that account for almost 1 in 10 of all deaths of children under the age of five. It can harm the healthy development of children's brains. It is a drag on economies and societies, and in many parts of the world it is getting worse.
'It' is air pollution.
What can you do to create a healthier indoor air quality to protect your children?
Keep your home’s humidity level at a safe range
Keep an indoor humidity level within the safe 30-50% range. Levels outside this range can increase your indoor air pollutant levels. For lower humidity, you may want to consider installing a humidifier. Find yourself well over the 50% humidity threshold? Simply open the windows (if it’s not humid outside) to level things out.
Clean your home regularly
To keep your indoor air pollution at a minimal, make sure to clean your house regularly.Wash blankets, sheets, and pillow cases minimally every 1-2 weeks. Dust on a weekly basis, using a cleaning method that physically picks up the dust as compared to just pushing it around. Most importantly, clean any mold thoroughly and allow the area to dry properly. Fix all of your water leaks and keep the area well ventilated.
Clean your air filters
A dirty air filter limits the ability to clean your home of indoor air pollutants. Change your air filters regularly or as recommended by your particular manufacturer. This will allow your system to do a thorough job cleaning the air around you.
Plants remove air
Indoor house plants do a positively good job at keeping the indoor air quality of your home clean. Plants and their roots work collectively to reduce indoor air pollutants to maintain good air quality. Although you would need a handful (approximately 1 plant for every 10m²), there’s no better way to get clean air.
Air duct sealing
In many cases, air ducts in air ventilation systems become damaged. This causes the air in your attic to seep in and fill your home with indoor air pollutants that you don’t want in there.