In the past couple of years, Kathmandu has been steadily climbing the charts of the world’s most polluted places. Recently, it topped the list with an AQI of over 280, beating India’s New Delhi which has frequently been the most polluted city in the world. Blame the forest fires, vehicle emissions, or scattered to little rainfall, the fact remains that our air quality is declining and our health is suffering. The effects of air pollution can be immediate, from runny nose, itchy eyes, sore throat etc., to long-term problems like chronic respiratory illnesses or heart diseases. Though tackling air pollution needs policy level intervention, it doesn’t mean we can’t take some important steps to reduce its impact on a personal level. Here are some ways you can improve air quality at home.
Bring in the greens
Add plants to your space as these look good and work to trap pollutants and dust as well. Keep a couple of large foliage by the door and windows. Snake plants and Peace Lily are great indoor air purifiers. Aloe Vera also works really well to neutralize odor. You might not have much space to have a full-fledged indoor garden but some big pots and planters will do the job just as well. You can also hang pothos and ivy from little jars kept on shelves.
Keep it clean
Vacuuming the carpets and rugs at least once a week can help tackle dust that has settled in the house. You can also opt for hard-surface flooring like tiles and laminates instead of wall-to-wall carpeting to cut down on allergens. It’s also a good idea to regularly clean the drapes and bedding which are items that attract dust and allergens. Indoor hygiene can cut down dust and dander and reduce pollutants. And while you are at it, it would be a good idea to clear clutter as that also traps dust.
Ventilate your space
Most of us keep the windows closed to keep dust away but that’s a bad idea as stale air circulates in closed spaces and that can potentially lead to mold and dampness. Open the windows from time to time to allow fresh air to circulate. Use an exhaust fan in the kitchen while cooking to remove fumes and other vapors that could contaminate the air. If you are concerned about direct breeze, opt for light sheer curtains to have a layer of filtering on the windows.
Invest in an air purifier
Bringing an air purifier into your home is perhaps the most effective way to combat indoor air pollution. These come equipped with HEPA filters that remove as much as 99 percent of harmful particles from the air. There are many kinds available in the market these days, from small ones you can use in the car or a bedroom to larger ones that can purify the air in an entire flat. HEPA filters can even remove flu virus particles from the air making it a great investment for your overall health.
