Indoor Air and the Story of "The Indoor Generation"
When we talk about polluted air, we automatically think of the air outside of our homes. But what if we checked air quality inside our homes? Would that air be clean?
Air pollution is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today. Our blog is inspired by the compelling video by our partners over at Velux with their blog entitled “Indoor Generation” (see video below).
Did you ever realize that 90 percent of our time is spent INSIDE?
According to Velux, we spend 90 percent of our time with minimal daylight and fresh air. We are not aware of it, but research studies show that this is harmful to our overall health and well-being.
So how do we make sure that our inside environments are healthy for us?
Air quality inside homes, schools, offices, and other buildings can be five times more polluted than the air quality outside. Pollutants reside all around us indoors, causing poor air quality. Lead pollution that is transferred from paint into dust, chemicals from our house cleaning supplies, mold, dust mites, humidity, and lack of ventilation can all play a role in degrading the air we breathe indoors. Some pollutants are in the house already, like in furniture, while others come from outside through dirty shoes and, if you are a pet owner, it’s likely you carry pet germs on your clothes.
These pollutants create the perfect storm for allergies and asthma, and in some cases, even more severe conditions — especially for children and elderly people.
So, if we spend 90 percent of our time inside, shouldn’t we be motivated to create safe environments so we can live healthy and happy lives? Here’s how can we do this:
Bring in Fresh Air
Open windows as often as possible (of course there are times when this is not possible). Bringing air inside and creating natural ventilation will create a healthy flow.
Indoor Plants
Don’t have a green thumb? Give it a try! Plants are excellent sources for filtering air and they look great in every interior.
Try Technology
Think about monitoring air quality with special gadgets (of your choice). When you see numbers and alerts with your own eyes, you won’t need additional motivation for resolving the issue.
Also, keep in mind that spending this much time inside with no proper natural light and fresh air can cause depression or mood swings and can decrease your energy level. Motivate yourself to go on walks and enjoy the landscapes surrounding the homes in which you live.
Watch this inspiring video, “The Indoor Generation” by Velux.