When AQI becomes the talk of the town, it falls upon you to keep your lungs as safe as possible. While there’s only so much that you can do to keep a safe distance from the toxic blanket of PM 2.5 and harmful gases outdoors, there are certain steps that you can take to keep the air safer to breathe indoors. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that indoor air can be several folds more polluted than the air outside, making home defenses the primary line of protection during the high-pollution season.
The easiest solution for many is to invest in a premium air purifier and let the machine do its thing, but what about those who can’t afford one, or have stacks of purifiers in every room?
In pursuit of finding practical everyday solutions, Financial Express reached out to Stuart Thompson, a Dyson Engineer who spends a considerable amount of time finding ways to filter the air as effectively as possible. Even though Thompson recommends investing in a good air purifier for the best of ways, some of his tips hold value for those households that have to make do without one.
Without further ado, here are five essential steps to ensure indoor air safety.
1. Stop pollutants at the door:
Just like insects and bugs, pollutants also find it easy to enter your living spaces by getting trapped under shoes or footwear. Thompson suggests that simple measures like establishing a ‘shoe-free zone’ can help to keep pollutants away from your living spaces. Placing microfibre doormats can significantly reduce the dust, pollen, and outdoor particulate matter as well.
2. Rethink carpets and flooring:
Did you know that carpets are powerful pollutant magnets that can trap dust, pet dander, and allergens deep in the fibers? This may prove to be particularly hazardous for children playing on the floor. Thompson suggests that household carpets and soft-touch flooring should be deep-cleaned regularly. Having a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter is recommended as an easy way to go ahead with cleaning duties. On a separate note, removing older, high-pile carpets also helps to a larger extent.
3. Examine your household supplies properly:
Many common cleaning and personal-care products emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). During periods of high pollution, these indoor emissions worsen air quality even further. Thompson suggests switching to low- or preferably no-VOC products to keep your lungs happy. It is also recommended to avoid strong perfumes for minimising respiratory risks.
4. Manage ventilation strategically:
This may seem counterproductive but keeping windows closed during peak pollution season helps to a larger extent. As outdoor air is far more toxic than usual levels, it makes it a better idea to prevent its ingress into your living space. Exhaust fans should be used to manage moisture and indoor pollutants. Even an air conditioner (AC) could help keep moisture levels in check. It is wise to allow ventilation only when the outdoor AQI is comparatively lower.
5. De-clutter your home:
Believe it or not, a cluttered home collects more dust and allergens, making effective cleaning a lot more difficult. Thompson states that de-cluttering not only clears surfaces but also directly supports cleaner air by reducing the breeding grounds for indoor pollutants. An effective home management strategy could help to a larger extent in keeping the furniture layout simpler.
Bonus tips
Invest in an air purifier: As a Dyson engineer, Thompson stresses that an advanced air purifier is now a necessity, not a luxury, especially at a time when the air quality deteriorates to levels beyond control. Devices like the Dyson Purifier Cool (PC1-TP11) feature sophisticated filtration to capture almost 99.95% of ultrafine particles that are as small as 0.1 microns. Features like Air Multiplier technology can even circulate clean air across the entire room.
Regular filter replacement: For existing purifiers to remain effective, regular filter changes are mandatory. Thompson suggests that clogged filters can dramatically reduce the efficiency of an air purifier, eventually negating the point of having the machine in the first place. Dyson’s ecosystem of purifiers notifies its users via the MyDyson app when a filter needs to be replaced. For purifiers of other brands, it is always recommended to check the instruction manual and frequently undertake a manual inspection every two weeks.
