The consequences of indoor pollution are a cause for concern. Taking action every day to protect your health also means reducing pollution in your home.
We spendmost of our time indoors, between home and work or school. In recent years, studies have examinedindoor air pollution, whichis often much more significant than outdoor air pollution. The health consequences are now well established:asthma, allergies, and even cancer, resulting from prolonged exposure to toxic substances. Measuresto improve air quality do exist. From household cleaning products to furniture, here’s a brief overview of natural alternatives.
Indoor Pollution: Health Effects
The issue of indoor air quality has becomea major public health concern. The impact of indoor pollution on health has already been discussed. However, it is important tohighlight both the immediate and long-term effects it causes.
According tothe World Health Organization(WHO2018), indoor air pollution was responsible for3.8 million deaths worldwide in 2016(compared to 4.2 million deaths due to outdoor pollution). According to projections, the numberof deaths caused by indoor pollution could reach9 million by 2060(Source: IHME: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation).
Currently, indoor air pollution ranks asthe fourth leading risk factor for mortality worldwide. This risk remains largely unknown to the French public, 52 percent of whom say they are “surprised” to learn that we aremore exposed to air pollution indoors than outdoors(ElabeStudyforVeolia—2019).
The annual cost of the health effects of poor indoor air quality in France is estimated at19 billion euros.
The immediate effects on the most sensitive individuals (children, the elderly, etc.)—or when confined to a heavily polluted area—includeirritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; allergic symptoms; nausea; asthma attacks;and so on.
As for the longer-term effects, we are talking aboutmuch more seriousconditionssuch as cancer, the worsening of cardiovascular diseases, chronic conditions, and soon…
Fortunately, by turning tonatural productsandadopting simple daily habits, we can significantly improve indoor air quality.
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality: Every Action Counts
To keep your home as healthy as possible, all you need todo is follow a few rules and developsome simple habits.
Many people are aware ofthe negative impact of conventional household cleaning products. They are highly aggressive in both their composition and their effects. For years, many alternatives have been suggested to avoid them as much as possible:whitevinegar, black soap, lemon, Marseille soap…Homemade products are all the rage, and there’s no shortage ofrecipes for eco-friendly products(laundry detergent, dish soap, window cleaner)! For natural cleaning, it’s essentialto gradually switch to basic, non-toxic products.
The same principle applies to cosmetics, especiallywhen it comes to avoiding aerosols(deodorant, shaving foam, hairspray, etc.) that affect indoor air quality. The trend is toward simple, natural, and economicalproducts. From old-fashioned home remedies to alternative brands,eco-friendly and healthycosmeticsare flooding the shelves.
As part of your daily routine, be sure toair out your home for at least 10 minutes a day, even in the winter. Thishelps refresh the air and reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants. You should also make sure your homeiswell-ventilated to ensure a steady flow of fresh air. To do this, don’t hesitate toclean the dust off the ventilation grillesasneeded.
It is recommended togreatly limit your use of home fragrances, candles, and incense.
When it comes to allergens, it is important todust regularly and wash your bedding frequently(ideally, once a week). When it comes to vacuum cleaners, choose models equipped withHEPA(High-Efficiency Particulate Air)filters. They trap dust more effectively. Finally, keep pets out of the bedroomfor people who are sensitive to allergens.
Choosing the right furnishings for your home isessential to creating a healthy living environment. Optfor natural, high-quality materials that are, above all, free (as much as possible) of pollutants. These are items that will remain in your home for years to come, so the choice must be made with great care.
Natural solutions are often more expensive in this case, butthey represent an investment in quality, durability, and health. Just as with cosmetics or cleaning products, opting for simplicityis often much better for your health. Support artisanal craftsmanship and European manufacturing. Even though furnishing a home represents a significant expense,itmay be wise to focus on the room or rooms where you spend the most time.
Spotlight on the Natural Bedroom: For a Healthy Night’s Sleep
Since we spend a third of our lives there,the bedroom deserves special attention. It’s recommendedto choose high-quality bedding, starting with the mattress. Most mattresses on the marketare made from synthetic materials. The choice is important, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available.
From an environmental standpoint,thereare natural latex mattresses(not to be confused with synthetic latex). This durable and healthy material is—without any prior treatment—mite-resistant and antibacterial. It is alsoahypoallergenic material free of any residual proteins. Opt for100% natural latex mattresses without layers of other materials,whichare generally unnecessary.
When it comes to sheets,organic cotton, Tencel, and linen are recommended, durable, and breathablematerials.
Finally, when it comesto furniture,we recommend choosing solid wood. Solid wood crafted by a skilled carpenter is a guarantee of high quality. It has a unique aesthetic and a pleasant, natural scent. Whether it’s a bed, nightstands, dressers, or wardrobes,choosing solid wood is a long-lasting investment. And if you’re able to furnish your entire home with high-quality materials, that’s ideal.
By following the tips in this article and choosing high-quality products,you can significantly reduce pollution in your home.