It may surprise you to learn that the air quality inside your home can, in some cases, be worse than outside. The outdoors gets a steady supply of fresh air on the occupants. But inside, various toxins can accumulate in enclosed spaces and have detrimental health impacts. Here are three ways you can improve your indoor air quality.
Use exhaust fans
You should turn the bathroom exhaust fan on every time you have a shower or bath. This draws the moist air out of the room, helping prevent the formation of mould.
If you have a gas stove, you should turn on the exhaust fan every time you use it so that exhaust gases are removed from the house.
Install carbon monoxide detectors
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, tasteless gas that can seep into the home from combustion appliances such as your furnace or stove. In small concentrations it causes dizziness and headaches – larger concentrations can be lethal. You should install a CO detector (or combination smoke and CO detector) in or near every bedroom in your house. Remember to regularly replace the backup batteries.
Test for radon
Radon is an invisible, odourless radioactive gas that is the leading cause of lung cancer in Canada for non-smokers. Radon gas can accumulate to high levels inside a home, posing a significant risk for occupants. But it’s easy to test for – you can find a quality test kit online – and it is a quick and affordable fix if you do have an elevated level in your home.
