Harms of Indoor Air Pollutants



The average human takes about 17,280-23,040 breaths per day. That is a substantial amount of air traveling through our lungs. Unfortunately, oxygen is not the only thing being transported throughout our bodies. Aside from the established non-toxic elements floating in our air, there are a large number of harmful pollutants that pose as a threat to our health.

We interact with many of these pollutants and toxins daily, oblivious of the silent consequences they could have on our health. Some examples of controllable sources  (what we choose to purchase or bring into our home) are: 
  • perfumes 
  • household cleaners
  • non-stick cookware
  • air fresheners 
Other concerning sources include:
  •  Chemicals found in building materials (including formaldehyde, asbestos, and lead)
  • Emissions from factories (these can be carried into the home via clothes, opened windows etc..)
  • House paint and furnishings
  • Mold

 Effects of Indoor Air Pollutants

The effects of indoor air pollutants can manifest in many ways such as a cold or asthma. Generally, these effects are divided into two categories: short-term and long-term. Some of the symptoms of short-term effects include:

  • dryness in the nose, eyes, or respiratory tract 
  • fatigue
  • mood changes
  • dizziness
  • headaches 
  • nausea
The impact of long-term exposure has shown a range of health complications according to health researchers. Weight gain, insulin resistance, MCS ( multiple chemical sensitivity), and the serious effects of brain function could all be connected to toxic indoor pollutants.[1,2,3]

When these toxins enter your body and you do not have the capability to remove these toxins effectively you may experience these symptoms or diseases. This process of detoxing can be inhibited due to disrupting factors such as poor diet, stress, lack of exercise, unsatisfactory sleep, etc. (Read more about detoxing here) 



Dr. Mark Hyman, the Director of Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Functional Medicine, the Founder of The UltraWellness Center, and a ten-time #1 New York Times Bestselling author has illustrated this concept very well in this quote from his website:

"Your home is like a Ziploc bag containing airborne pollutants that can’t escape. When you breathe polluted air, you introduce toxins into every cell of your body. The air circulates throughout your entire body, impacting internal organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys and liver." [4]

Prevention

While you may not be able to control the world's toxic emissions, there are ways you can reduce the number of toxins in the air of your home.

Purchase products without synthetic scents, that is to say, man-made fragrances. These are known endocrine disruptors, respiratory irritants, and allergens. When purchasing scented cleaners, soaps or air fresheners, its best to check the ingredient list and look for essential oils. Some companies present their products as a better option just because it "contains essential oils"  so look to see if it is listed as the sole ingredient for scenting the product.


Buy an air purifier. Generally, an air purifier is an appliance that removes contaminants from a room. The type of contaminates this kind of device can remove depends on the type of air purifier you purchase. This can be a very tedious job searching for the perfect one for your home. Many are incapable of doing the job efficiently or are not very durable. Dr. Mark Hyman has recommended an air filter he has personally used called the Air Doctor. This particular air purifier is constructed to remove not only particles but gases and toxic chemicals in the air as well. You can visit the website >> here << for more information.

Use essential oils to combat harmful bacteria, viruses, and toxins in the air.  One effective way is to use a diffuser and apply oils like

  • Eucalyptus
  • Tea tree
  • Citrus Oils 
  • Cinnamon Bark
  •  Melaleuca
Always be sure to purchase high-grade essential oils and to use a carrier oil as well (like coconut oil or jojoba)

Buy a few plants. Not only will it make your home look more inviting, but research has shown that most leafy plants remove pollutants to some degree. Some of the best natural air purifying plants include:
  • the Spider Plant 
  • Ferns
  • Peace Lily 
  • Ficus
  • Snake Plant 
  • Bamboo Palm

Before purchasing any plant, be sure you have done an adequate amount of research to be sure you can care for it properly.
[5,6,7,8,9]


There are many ways we can reduce harmful elements in the air of our homes. It takes consistent small changes in our lifestyle as a community to make a large impact. Find whats easy for you to begin with, make those things habitual, and enjoy the results of your healthier choices.  

Disclaimers

  • All product reviews are based on my experiences. Please be advised that everyone may not have the same experience. I am not affiliated with any product or marketing unless otherwise noted. Please check with manufacture disclaimers prior to use of any product.
  • All advice, information, and remedies should be taken into severe consideration. Please contact your health practitioner or holistic practitioner if you are struggling with a disease or currently taking any form of medication, pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • These statements-unless otherwise noted- have not been evaluated by the FDA 

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