by Rachel Epperly – Board Member, Poolesville Green and Owner of Maid Brigade
Monocacy Monocle column for July 2024
Here we are – the summer season has begun and with it, the incessant attempt to cool our indoor air and provide a respite against the grueling Maryland summer heat and humidity. “It’s not the heat as much as the humidity,” right? And, I do agree. Maryland summers can be brutal and we all look forward to the cool air that our indoor, air conditioned homes and offices provide. But locking out the relatively fresh air from outdoors can cause issues that you might not be aware of.
There have been several reports by the EPA demonstrating that indoor air pollution levels are typically 2-5 times higher than outdoor air pollution, and studies show that most of us spend 90% of our time indoors. So, how can we be thoughtful about clean air; how can we improve our indoor air quality and enjoy healthier homes?
Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential for good indoor air.
- Open Windows: Regularly open windows to let fresh air in and stale air out. Spring and autumn are great times to open your home and let the fresh air in, though this is a tough decision for many as outdoor air can come with its own set of pollutants depending on where you live. Here in Maryland, pollen is a contributor to poor air quality and can be especially aggravating to seasonal allergy sufferers. But in your off season, open windows to allow fresh air inside which will have the biggest impact on improving your indoor air quality.
- Use an Air Purifier: When open windows are a no-go, the use of air purifiers can help remove pollutants from the air. Look for purifiers with HEPA filters as these capture particles as small as 0.3 microns with an efficiency of 99.97%. The smaller the micron sizeif it can contain, the more effective in trapping the smallest particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. The better the efficiency, the more it will hold and not allow trapped particles to escape.
- Use Exhaust Fans: Install exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove moisture and pollutants. Ensure they exhaust to the outdoors. If they only exhaust into the attic or interior walls, then you are only moving air from one area in the home to another.
- Air Vents: Ensure that air vents are clean and unobstructed.
Moisture Control
Moisture control is essential to prevent mold.
- Other than proper ventilation and air purification; maintaining the right humidity level (30-50%) can help prevent the growth of mold and dust mites. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas to reduce moisture such as basements and laundry rooms.
Regular Cleaning Routine
- Proper and regular cleaning of the home with a focus on minimizing dust, pet dander, and other allergens can have a profound effect on indoor air quality.
- Using green certified solutions ensures that there are no toxic chemicals, no known carcinogens and no deodorants are added to the product. A clean home should smell like nothing at all. Look for a green certification label when shopping for cleaning chemicals and products. These ensure that the product has met or exceeded the organization’s standards based on their criteria. To learn more about those standards, you can visit their respective websites and learn more about the standards as well as the companies and products that have met those standards. A couple of label examples include Green Seal Certified and Safer Choice (EPA).
- In cleaning, especially green cleaning, always start with the mildest method possible; if water works, then use water, stepping up to stronger chemistry as needed. For agitation, if a cloth works, then use the cleaning cloth, stepping up to scrub pads when needed.
- Dust thoroughly using a lightly damp cloth to remove as much dust and allergens as possible.
- Vacuum with a HEPA-level (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration system which traps dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and any particles with a size of 0.3 micron and larger.
- Launder bedding, curtains, and other fabrics regularly.
- Change your air filters regularly. Your air conditioner does an enormous amount of pushing air through your home and the filters can do a fantastic job of filtering that air, but only if they are clean. Clogged air filters reduce airflow through your air systems. Plus, heating and cooling can use around 50% of a home’s typical energy consumption and a clogged air filter can cause 15% higher energy use. When purchasing your air filter, you may want to look for its MERV rating. The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rates the filter’s ability to remove particles from the air passing through. These range from 1-16 with the higher values filtering pollen, some bacteria, and even smoke and viruses from the air passing through. HEPA filters can capture even more particulate matter than the highest MERV rated filters.
Minimize Use of Pollutant-Emitting Products
Minimizing the use of products that emit pollutants can greatly reduce indoor air pollution. This includes a multitude of products that emit smells and fragrances, good and bad, into the home.
Cleaning Products: Choose natural or eco-friendly cleaning products.
Tobacco Smoke: Prohibit smoking indoors.
Scented Products: Limit or avoid the use of scented candles and air fresheners.
Gas Burning Appliances: Opting for electric models eliminates concerns as an improperly adjusted gas stove can emit significantly more carbon monoxide than one that is properly adjusted.
Building Materials: Choose low VOC options when available. Look for a green certification or low VOC label on products you buy for home renovation and painting.
Houseplants
Houseplants can absorb toxins and release oxygen.
Certain houseplants can improve indoor air quality by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen. Some beneficial plants include:
Spider Plant: Effective against formaldehyde and xylene.
Peace Lily: Known to remove ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde.
Aloe Vera: Absorbs benzene and formaldehyde.
Monitor for Toxins
Check for radon and carbon monoxide by testing regularly. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause lung cancer. Test your home for radon using a radon detection kit. If levels are high, consider installing a radon mitigation system. Install a carbon monoxide detector which works similarly to a smoke detector in the home. This can not only improve air quality but can save lives.
Improving indoor air quality involves a combination of ventilation, proper cleaning products and techniques, reducing pollutants coming into the home, and the use of air purifiers including houseplants. By taking these steps, you can create a healthier indoor environment for you and your family while enjoying the cool, conditioned air that you will not find outside for months yet to come.
For more information, visit the EPA website at The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality | US EPA which has plenty of suggestions to continue your journey to improving your indoor air.