Our bodies are more than 50% water, so drinking filtered water regularly keeps our body hydrated. Clean eating is known as avoiding herbicides, preservatives, GMO’s, processed food and sugar because they load our bodies with toxins. We eat and drink multiple times each day, but the air we breathe is 24 – 7 – 365. So what can we do to clean up the air we breathe?
Well outdoors, allergens like pollen and mold spores are always in the air, and we have little control over pollutants from cars, industries, and pesticides. We can limit our outdoor time during allergy season, high heat and humidity, avoid times when landscapers are mowing and spraying, and take a walk in the woods or on a quiet street rather than walking on a main road with lots of traffic. I guess the good news is that we actually spend about 75% of our time indoors. So how can we keep our air as clean as possible? In our home, dusting and vacuuming regularly will limit the particles in the air. If you have a pet, keep them well-groomed to minimize dander. Invite smokers outside, use the cooktop fan, and use an electric starter for your outdoor grill instead of starter fluid. To manage the possibility of mold growth, use the bathroom fan during and for 10 minutes after a shower, leave the washer door up after using to let it dry out, and have your dryer vent cleaned 1 to 2 times a year. If you have a front-loading washer, they are prone to mold growth so dry the rubber seals after using, install a fan in the laundry room, and if you smell mold that you cannot get to, you may need to call a professional to find the mold.
Basements, crawl spaces and attics are very prone to mold and mildew (early stage mold). Managing the moisture is the key because below grade surfaces are naturally damp and attics can absorb moisture from the weather. Fans and ventilation to the outside will minimize the moisture, but finding where the moisture is coming from will be necessary for a lasting solution. If you have or have had a water leak in your home, mold could be growing behind the walls, or in a place that you cannot see it and affecting the quality of the air you are breathing. A certified mold inspector can identify the problem, assess the air quality and make recommendations.
Note also that there are products such as paint, solvents, bleach, cleaning supplies, rug cleaners etc. that have toxic chemicals in them. Use a pump sprayer rather than an aerosol spray. Wear a mask and avoid breathing in the fumes. Open doors and windows and turn on fans when using in a closed space. And if possible, try using products that are organic and chemical-free. Never use bleach to clean mold. Use hydrogen peroxide if the area is less than 10 square feet. Scrub the area and dry thoroughly.
Temperatures should be kept cool, humidity at 30 to 35%, and HVAC air filters should be changed every 3 to 4 months. If you can use a portable air filter, that will also help.
It is easier to be aware of the food we eat and the water we drink, but breathing is automatic and 24-7-365. The quality of the indoor air is a very important factor for overall health. Coughing, sneezing, headaches, fatigue and even depression can be a result of polluted indoor air.
If you think you might have a problem with mold, get an assessment right away because it will only continue to worsen with time.
For more information, visit our website at smithenvironmentalsolutions.com
Certified Mold Specialists are the Qualified Professionals:
If you think you have a mold problem, you need an expert.
Smith Environmental Solutions Inc is in the business of assessing and improving Indoor Air Quality. For 12 years, Daniel Smith, Certified Mold Inspector, Certified Indoor Air Quality Specialist, and Certified Remediation Expert has personally inspected, tested and analyzed air samples in over 3000 combined homes and businesses across the Carolinas. Our clients have entrusted us to determine the severity of their air quality as it relates to mold and other common indoor related allergens, and provide solutions.
Note: Information in this article is not intended to give legal or medical advice. The content provided by SES is based on industry approved education and training, professional certifications in mold testing and indoor air quality, and years of experience in scientific mold inspection, testing, and assessment and is intended for general informational purposes only.
