A Healthy Breath

There are three major strategies for reducing indoor air pollution. These strategies are source control, ventilation, and air cleaning. Each is described more fully below:

Of the three, the first approach -- source control -- is the most effective. This involves inimizing the use of products and materials that cause indoor pollution, employing good hygiene practices to minimize biological contaminants (including the control of humidity and moisture, and occasional cleaning and disinfection of wet or moist surfaces), and using good housekeeping practices to control particles.

The second approach -- outdoor air ventilation -- is also effective and commonly employed. Ventilation methods include installing an exhaust fan close to the source of contaminants, increasing outdoor air flows in mechanical ventilation systems, and opening windows, especially when pollutant sources are in use.

The third approach -- air cleaning -- is not generally regarded as sufficient in itself, but is sometimes used to supplement source control and ventilation.

Air filters, electronic particle air cleaners and ionizers are often used to remove airborne particles, and gas adsorbing material is sometimes used to remove gaseous contaminants when source control and ventilation are inadequate.

You an obtain further information on each of the above methods by visiting our environmental wellness page, Toxin Free Blog, and following our series on water, and air filtration systems, as well as household cleaning tips, and toxin free household and personal care products.