I have heard many brilliant and well-respected progressive doctors say that air quality is a bigger threat to our health than chemicals in our food. Considering we hear FAR more about the importance of cleaning up our diet and eating organic, this should get your attention. Both indoor and outdoor air quality pose risks.

Outdoor and Indoor Air Quality Matters

Indoor air these days is more toxic than ever before due to improvements in home building energy efficiency. While tightly sealed homes are great for lowering your utility bill, the lack of air flow is trouble for your health. Mold spores, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from carpet, furniture, and vinyl, and regular old allergens like dust and pet dander build up and stress the immune system.

Outside air is still safer than the vast majority of indoor air. However, high ozone, smoke from forest fires, and particulate pollution all contribute to poor air quality that adds to our total toxic load.

You can check on the status of the outdoor air quality in your state by googling air quality index. If you live in Colorado, visit this site.

What To Do to Improve Indoor Air Quality and Reduce Toxic Load

• Invest in high-quality air filters for your home. You can see some of my favorite products here.
• Use the more expensive HEPA filters on your furnace and vacuum and add charcoal furnace filters as well to trap VOCs.
• Open up your house in nice weather and run fans to circulate air.
• Have your air ducts professionally cleaned.
• Replace filters on AC units frequently.
• Invest in low VOC shower curtains.
• If remodeling/updating, choose low VOC non-toxic materials like porcelain tile, bamboo, VOC-free paint, etc.
• Have carpets professionally cleaned with green products seasonally.
• Test for mold spores. Mycometrics makes a great at-home test.
• Purchase furniture not made with flame-retardants.
• Purchase low VOC mattresses.
• Vacuum and dust weekly to improve air quality.
• Fill your home with plants to help filter the air of harmful chemicals and produce more oxygen.
• Make detox activities like Epsom salt baths, far infrared saunas, dry brushing, proper hydration, and consuming a diet high in antioxidants and low in toxins part of your daily routine.
• More resources: https://rmi.org/health-professionals-stake-home-energy-performance/

Need Professional Help with Detox?