In today’s world, many people are becoming increasingly environmentally aware, taking steps to reduce their carbon footprints and live healthier lives. From recycling diligently to minimizing plastic use to preserve sea life, individuals are making conscious efforts to contribute positively to climate change.
However, despite these efforts, industrial emissions continue to release toxins into the air we inhale. It’s crucial to maintain a clean-living environment and embrace eco-friendly practices at home. If everyone adopted the mindset of protecting their personal spaces, we would all breathe cleaner air.
This involves using environmentally friendly products and dispelling the myth that vaping is healthier than smoking. Both habits are equally harmful, affecting users and those around them, leading to serious health issues like respiratory cancers, infections, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
While we can control much of what we breathe in, we must work together to avoid polluting each other’s air. Our work environments and the behaviours of those around us also impact our health.
Workers exposed to asbestos have developed asbestosis over time, leading to serious health consequences. Similarly, many cleaning products used within our homes contain toxins that can be harmful when inhaled.
So, what can we do to make necessary changes?
Improving the quality of our air at home
Breathing clean air is essential for our health and well-being. One would be amazed to realise how much the air quality in our homes affect our daily lives. People often feel tired, have frequent headaches, and allergies seem to worsen indoors.
It isn’t until making some changes that one may notice a significant improvement.
But first, let’s define air-quality.
What is air quality?
Air quality refers to the cleanliness of the air we breathe. Indoor air quality can be affected by various pollutants such as dust, mold, pollen, pet dander, and chemical fumes from household products. Poor air quality can lead to several health issues, especially for those with respiratory conditions.
The symptoms of poor air quality
Recognising the symptoms of poor air quality is the first step in addressing the issue. Common symptoms include:
- Frequent headaches.
- Fatigue and tiredness.
- Worsening allergies or asthma.
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
- Respiratory issues, such as coughing or difficulty breathing.
Treatment for poor air quality
Improving your home’s air quality involves several practical steps. Here are some effective treatments:
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial. Ensure that your home is well-ventilated by opening windows regularly to allow fresh air to circulate. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to reduce moisture and odours.
Air purifiers
Investing in a good air purifier can significantly improve indoor air quality. Look for purifiers with HEPA filters that can capture tiny particles, including allergens and pollutants.
Regular cleaning
Keep your home clean by dusting and vacuuming regularly. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens. Wash bedding, curtains, and upholstery frequently to reduce the buildup of dust and pet dander.
Houseplants
Certain houseplants, like spider plants and peace lilies, can help purify the air by absorbing toxins. Adding a few plants to your home can enhance air quality naturally.
Avoiding chemicals
Limit the use of household products that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as certain cleaning products, paints, and air fresheners. Opt for natural or eco-friendly alternatives instead.
Choosing the right wood for fireplaces and barbeques
As South Africans, braaiing (Barbequing) is one of the most common activities that we enjoy. It is something we are raised with as a form of entertainment. We also enjoy our indoor fireplaces. However, we need to be careful about our choice of wood as some release toxic fumes. Great emphasis will be placed on this within this article, as it is the common denominator across our various cultures.
When considering the healthiest wood to burn for a barbecue or indoor fire, it is important to select wood types that release minimal harmful odours and toxic fumes. Let’s take a closer look at some of the woods discussed and their safety profiles:
- Blue Gum: This wood is generally safe to burn and is popular for its clean burn and high heat output. It does not release harmful odours or toxins when properly seasoned and burned in a well-ventilated area.
- Mopane Hardwood: Known for its dense and clean-burning properties, Mopane hardwood is considered safe for both indoor fires and barbecues. It produces minimal smoke and has a long burn time, making it an excellent choice for maintaining indoor air quality.
- Rooikrans. This wood can be a good option for both barbecuing and indoor fires due to its high heat output and long burn time. However, it is essential to use well-seasoned Rooikrans and maintain adequate ventilation to minimise smoke and odour issues.
Always consider your personal health and environmental impact when choosing firewood.
When selecting wood to burn indoors in South Africa, it’s crucial to avoid certain types of wood that can release harmful toxins or produce excessive smoke and unpleasant odours.
Woods to avoid:
- Pine:
- Oleander:
- Treated Wood:
- Green or Unseasoned Wood:
- Softwoods with High Resin Content (e.g., Spruce, Fir):
- Eucalyptus:
General Tips for Safe Burning:
- Use Hardwood: Opt for dense hardwoods like Blue Gum, Mopane, or Black Locust, which burn hotter and cleaner.
- Seasoned wood: Ensure that the wood is properly seasoned, with moisture content below 20%, to reduce smoke and harmful emissions.
- Ventilation: Maintain proper ventilation in your home to prevent the buildup of any potentially harmful substances from the fire.
While there is little more to entice ones tastebuds and evoke wonderful festive memories, many people have changed to gas barbecues. Although not quite the same, they too have their advantages and disadvantages, but are generally more environmentally friendly.
Choosing between gas and wood ultimately depends on personal preferences, cost considerations, and the ability to maintain safety and air quality in your home. For a healthier and safer indoor environment, gas fireplaces are typically the better option.
Fireworks spark new findings
Although fireworks are banned in most areas of South Africa, especially on Guy Fawkes, they are unfortunately still used by many. These are not limited to Guy Fawkes but to various glitzy and glamourous events. We cant help acknowledging the spectacular show that they provide, but the consequences outweigh the temporary visuals. Beside noise pollution and fear that they cause to babies and animals, they are significant contributors of air pollution.
Research indicates that major firework displays can cause a temporary surge in air pollution, potentially posing health risks to both humans and the environment,” said Terry Gordon, a professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “The pollution from fireworks can also persist; it took several hours for air quality to normalise at most sampling sites, and up to 12 hours at sites closest to the displays. Studies have linked this type of pollution to asthma, pneumonia, and COPD,” the researchers noted.
As they are unfortunately not going to go away, wearing an N-95 or KN95 mask is an effective way to avoid inhaling smoke when near a display, particularly for children and those with preexisting heart and lung conditions. The new study was published on August 6 in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology.
Conclusion
Special considerations for improving air quality.
In conclusion, for those with specific health concerns or living in areas with high pollution levels, additional measures may be necessary:
- Use a dehumidifier in damp areas to prevent mold growth.
- Change HVAC filters regularly to ensure your heating and cooling systems are not circulating pollutants.
- Consider a professional air quality assessment if you suspect serious issues.
By taking these steps, we can significantly improve the air quality in our homes, leading to a healthier and more comfortable living environment. Remember, clean air is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity for your overall well-being.
