The Green Parent

Ah, there’s nothing like a breath of fresh air, right? Well, it all depends on what’s in that air! Air pollution is a common problem in our modern society. And it affects us all…young and old, rich and poor, Red and Blue.  

Outdoors, air pollution is caused by both natural sources (like volcano eruptions, soil erosion, and forest fires) and human activities (like fossil fuel combustion from cars and power plants.)  This is why outdoor air pollution is often greatest in and around cities where human concentrations are largest.

But if fears about air pollution have you running indoors, it may alarm you to realize that indoor air is often more dangerous than what’s outside.  Chemicals in your cleaning supplies, paint, furniture, and even in your household dust can become trapped inside your home, making the indoor air pollutant levels as much as 25-62% greater than outdoor levels.
So what can you do…stop breathing?  No, that won’t work.  But you can breathe easier by knowing what to look for and how to protect your family from air pollution.

Outdoors

• Pay attention to air-quality advisories, especially if you live in or near a big city. If the levels are high, don’t spend a lot of time outdoors.
• When traveling by car, try to limit the amount of time you spend sitting in heavy traffic. Seek out less traveled routes or walk instead. 
• Hold your breath or turn your head when you see exhaust spurting out of the car in front of you or when you are filling your car with gas.

Indoors

• Do not smoke and avoid hanging out for long periods with those who do.
• Ventilate your home well by opening windows and doors regularly, especially when dusting, vacuuming, and painting.
• When entering your home, leave your shoes at the door and ask your guests to do the same to avoid tracking harmful chemicals indoors.
• Avoid dry cleaning your clothes.  If you can’t avoid it, seek out a or at the very least  make sure you air-out your clothes before bringing them indoors.
• Use natural cleaning agents like baking soda and vinegar instead of synthetic chemical compounds.
• Wet mop your floors frequently to reduce your exposure to dust.
• Do not use synthetic chemical pesticides or fertilizers in your home, on your lawn, or in your garden.

Now relax, and don’t forget to breathe!  

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