Do you know that adults breathe approximately 15,000 liters of air regularly? Everyone is aware that air pollution isn’t good for their health, but they don’t know exactly why. When you breathe polluted air, the pollutants enter your lungs. They mix in your bloodstream, and your internal organs carry it to your brain, thus causing severe health problems like cardiovascular diseases, asthma, and even cancer.

Importance of air quality
Even short-term exposure to air pollution can lead to health problems among senior citizens, especially those who have lung and heart conditions. To make matters worse, polluted air causes acidification and eutrophication to the ecosystem, resulting in irreversible damage, loss of biodiversity, and loss of agricultural productivity. Additionally, unclean air leads to degrading some of the architectural masterpieces around you.  

These consequences prove how crucial air quality is in your life. With so many vehicles running on petrol and diesel and factories emitting smoke throughout the day virtually nonstop, it’s understandable why environmentalists are so concerned about people’s health, especially those above the age of 55.

As you age, your body’s immune system starts deteriorating, making you vulnerable to various diseases. And with the air quality going down, you may experience breathing troubles when you go out.

How to improve air quality?
It’s literally impossible to improve the air quality on the roads and places near factories. They are not in your hands, but you can certainly improve your home’s air quality. A few tricks can go a long way to improving the air quality in your home.

1. Buy an air purifier
   This is the easiest and best way to improve your home’s air quality. Most modern-day air purifiers come with HEPA filters, which are the best in the business for keeping air pollutants away. These filters can last up to five years, depending on the place you live. For example, if you live right beside the main road, you can expect the filter to last approximately three to four years. Some air purifiers also have carbon filters, but they are not as durable as HEPA filters.
2. Keep indoor plants
   Apart from using an air purifier, you can also keep indoor plants in your rooms. Indoor plants not only improve your home’s air quality but also act as décor items. Small plants like lilies and ferns are ideal for homes, although you can also research other plants that can keep air contaminants away.
3. Keep your home clean
   This is a three-fold process that you need to follow from time to time:
   • Change air filters – It is best to replace air filters once in six to eight months, depending on the appliance. Some of your home appliances that have air filters are your AC, clothes dryer, vacuum cleaner, and kitchen vents.
   • Clean the air ducts – Call a professional to clean the air ducts. Blocked air ducts spread contaminants in the air and also put pressure on your HVAC system.
   • Use kitchen vents – Kitchen vents can keep harmful contaminants from gas stoves, like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide away, thus helping you breathe clean air.

    Air pollutants can unknowingly do a lot of damage to your health, so you need to act quickly to avoid unwanted diseases. Commit to adopting these strategies and you’ll benefit from a healthier, happier, and more productive family.