Good air quality is essential for optimal health. You can live weeks without food and days without water, but you can only live a few seconds without air. Still, the quality of the air you’re exposed to can vary significantly based on your location—both in terms of the air quality in your city or county and the air inside your home.

Air is made up of three main elements: nitrogen, oxygen and argon. Pollution affects the air content. As concerns about pollution and global warming increase, air quality is essential.

In fact, around 60,000 deaths occur due to poor air quality each year in the United States alone. Air-breathed oxygen supports the body’s metabolic processes – helping the body to oxygenate the blood, make use of energy and eliminate waste. If the air quality is poor, these functions can be impaired and harm your health.

One of the biggest contributors to poor air quality is pollution, which is caused by fossil fuels, emissions from the manufacturing industry, industrial agricultural practices and various chemicals that get into the air from things like cleaning products.

 

The following pollutants are frequently used to assess air quality:

High levels of these pollutants indicate poor air quality, which can lead to respiratory disease, heart disease and cancer and play a role in reducing life expectancy in some areas.

  • Carbon monoxide
  • Lead
  • nitrogen dioxide
  • Ozone
  • particulate matter
  • Sulfur dioxide

 

TIPS TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY

Internal:

  • Clean frequently using eco-friendly products.
  • Open windows regularly to keep indoor spaces ventilated.
  • Avoid mold by being aware of water damage and areas that can retain moisture.
  • Keep green plants close by.
  • Keep green plants close by.
  • Take off your shoes when you’re indoors.
  • Avoid products that contain volatile organic compounds (VOC) such as paints, rugs, mattresses, artificially scented candles and cleaning solutions.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Install carbon monoxide and radon detectors.
  • Clean air vents and filters frequently.

 

External:

  • Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) in your area before spending too much time outdoors.
  • Plant trees and plants in your yard and neighborhood.
  • Carpool when possible and/or consider a fuel-efficient hybrid or electric car.
  • Walk or ride a bike whenever possible.
  • Avoid excessive use of air conditioners.
  • Turn off electronics when not in use.
  • Reciclar ou reaproveitar itens antigos.
  • Recycle or reuse old items.