Keep Your Kids Healthy with Cleaner In-Home Air

Did you know your home’s air could be making your children sick? Cleaning up your in-home air can mean better wellness for your youngsters, helping to avoid allergies and illnesses. Here is some practical advice for promoting your children’s overall health by improving the quality of air in your home.

What is indoor air pollution? Most of us consider our homes to be safe havens from the outside world. However, according to some research, poor indoor air quality is considered one of the top five health concerns in America. The air inside our homes is believed to be substantially more polluted than outdoor air and, as a result, can cause a number of health problems in kids, such as infections, allergies, asthma, and viruses. You should be alert to symptoms of pulmonary illness in your children, including wheezing, fever, coughing, congestion, and lethargy. If you see any these warning signs, you should talk with your child’s physician.

What are pollutants? Indoor pollutants are tiny contaminants you can’t see, but breathing them in is hard on your body. They are small but mighty, and come in the form of animal dander, pollens, dust mites, chemicals, mold, and smoke. There are many ways pollutants can enter your home, such as on your clothing, your pets, and from cleaning products. While you can’t completely eliminate all indoor pollution, there is much you can do to reduce the amount of contaminants in your home’s air.

Start with a clean slate. While you can’t see indoor air pollutants, know that they are lingering throughout your home. Pollutants get into your furnishings, window coverings, and carpets. By cleaning your home’s air continually, you can greatly reduce the presence of these little particles. Consider installing a whole-house air cleaner to help remove and combat the variety of pollutants in your air. The national average cost to install a whole-house air cleaner ranges from $711 – $2,799. Check with a local professional in your city for a free estimate.

Reduce chemical use. What kinds of cleansers do you typically use in your home? Household chemicals can be a significant source of air pollution. Some research indicates the chemicals in our household products can emit as much air pollution as vehicles do. Chances are, you already have effective and safe cleaning products in your pantry—which are also inexpensive—such as vinegar, lemon juice, boric acid, and baking soda. Switching to these alternatives is not only easier on your lungs, it’s easier on your wallet.

Tidy up. There are many places in your home where contaminants can dwell. Since they are so tiny, they can hunker down in all sorts of nooks and crannies. Your carpet, window coverings, bedding, and upholstery all offer likely hidey holes for indoor pollution. If you or your children suffer from allergies, getting into a routine of thorough cleaning can greatly improve the air quality in your home and ease allergy symptoms. Dust at least once a week, vacuum regularly, and wash your bedding weekly. Vacuum or launder your window coverings at least once each month, and ensure everyone removes their shoes when entering the home. When it comes to selecting a vacuum, Esurance suggests investing in one that uses a double-lined bag and a HEPA filter, since these offer the best results in the war against allergens. If you’re short on time, consider hiring a professional cleaning service. The average cost nationally to hire a house cleaner is $160, but it varies based on your location.

Fido and Fifi. Pets can be a wonderful source of love, laughter, and comfort—but for allergy sufferers, they can also be a source of health concerns. Thankfully, as Health explains, you can enjoy your pets without the harmful side effects of pet allergies. If your kids are allergic to your pets, discourage them from handling the animals as much as possible. Don’t permit pets to enter your child’s bedroom, and consider closing the air registers in those rooms so you aren’t forcing in your pet’s dander. If you’re considering adding an animal to your household, select a hypoallergenic pet.

Indoor air pollution can be hard on the health of your children. Look for ways to clean your home’s air and prevent issues from developing. With some basic changes, you can improve the air quality of your home and, in turn, help your kids stay healthy.

By Suzie Wilson of Happier Home.