Natural Air Filters For Your Home

              When you think of air pollution, you may imagine smoggy streets in busy cities. People don’t usually picture their home as part of the problem. Everyone is aware that outdoor air pollution can impact their health, but indoor air pollution can also have harmful health effects. EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times higher than outdoor levels. These levels of indoor air pollutants are of large concern, since most people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors.
                  Although smoking and burning solid fuel inside the home are two major sources of indoor air pollution, they’re not the only ones. Mold, dust mites, gases from cooking and heating, and tobacco smoke are the most significant sources of indoor air pollution. Flooring, upholstery and carpets can release harmful chemicals. Many fragrances that are found in laundry detergents, scented candles and cleaning supplies can react with the environment and create toxins within the home as well. The following are some tips to keeping the air in your living place more clean.

Beeswax Candles-Beeswax candles act as natural air purifiers. If you love to fill your home with scented candles, avoid paraffin candles which are petroleum derived and release benzene, toluene and soot into the air. Since these candles do more harm than good, opt for beeswax candles which ionise the air and neutralise toxic compounds and other contaminants.
Salt Lamps-A salt lamp is another great natural air purifier. Salt crystal products tend to reduce airborne irritants, pathogens and allergens by pulling water vapour out of the air. Simply adding a Himalayan pink salt lamp in your room or near your desk at the office does the trick. Salt lamps improve air purification much more when they are turned on, but surprisingly work when turned off too.
Activated Charcoal-Use activated charcoal as a natural air purifier. A fantastic way to purify indoor air is with activated charcoal, also referred to as active carbon. It's odorless, highly-absorptive and works wonders with eliminating toxins from the air. Essential Oils-In the presence of essential oils like cinnamon, oregano, rosemary, thyme, grapefruit lemon, clove, tea tree - viruses, fungi, bacteria and even mold cannot survive. Studies from Weber State University show that Thieves Oil has a 99.96% kill rate against airborne bacteria
Open Windows Regularly- If you are to use household cleaners, or burn candles make sure to keep your window cracked to help circulate the air. If the climate is right, use a window fan to circulate the air out of your home.
Houseplants- NASA conducted a study which stated, "Houseplants can purify and rejuvenate air within our houses and workplaces, safeguarding us from any side effects associated with prevalent toxins like ammonia, formaldehyde and also benzene." It's the best way to counter the impact of pollution indoors, particularly if you have a family member with some respiratory illness. It's suggested that you have at least one plant per 100 square feet of home for efficient air cleaning to be accomplished. Next week, we will cover the best air purifying household plants.