How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Every winter, many Canadians find their home's indoor air quality decreases with heating and closed windows.

Did you know that indoor air pollution can actually be worse than outdoor polllution? That's according to Health Canada.

The good news is that you can maximize indoor air quality and minimize pollutants in your home.

Health Canada explains different ways and tips to better indoor air:

SOURCE CONTROL prevents pollutants from getting into
the air. Reduce indoor air pollution by eliminating the source of the contamination and reduce indoor emissions.
TIPS:
Avoid smoking indoors.
Keep your home dry.
Maintain all fuel burning appliances well and inspect yearly.
Avoid idling.
Use low-emission alternatives.
Do activities like painting, paint stripping and sanding outside.

VENTILATION keeps air pollutants at low levels.
Increasing ventilation removes stale indoor air, reduces indoor air pollutants and limits the build-up of indoor moisture which can contribute to mould growth.
TIPS:
Open windows and doors.
Turn on kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans.
Choose new designs in mechanical ventilation systems (heating, ventilation and air condition HVAC).

Health Canada also suggests:
GENERAL TIPS
-Monitor and control humidity levels.
-Ensure leaks and cracks in walls, floors, roofs and basements are fixed.
-Immediately clean any mould found growing in your home.
-Keep your home clean: dust and vacuum regularly.
-Keep the door between your garage and home closed.
-Do not store paints, solvents or varnishes inside your home.
-Ensure furnishing made from particle-board or medium density fibre-board are coated or sealed.

For more information, check out Health Canada online.

Image courtesy of www.freepixels.com

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How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

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