Fresh Air Means The Life
Air pollution has become an issue of concern for quite a long time where almost 90 percent of the world population are not even able to breathe clean air. Do you know that about 80% of global sewage is channeled into nature untreated and these untreated wastewater causes three times more Carbon Dioxide emissions.
A group of 15 scientists from Europe and the United States led by Célia Sapart of Utrecht University in the Netherlands found that greenhouse gasses has been existing from at least 2,000 years ago from the study of methane chemical signature in ice samples trapped in Greenland's ice and all are results of human activity especially metallurgy and large-scale agriculture activities from around 100 B.C.
We will draw some insights from Dr Nick Summerton where he derives some ancient Rome tips to stay healthy. The Romans seem to be seeking a sensible balance between a healthy and an enjoyable existence by attaching great importance to preserving health.
Galen, a second-century physician, makes it clear that it is an individual's responsibility to take care of their bodies by preserving health by following a certain hygiene lifestyle. There is an art of hygiene where it is essential to breathe fresh air, get enough sleep, embark on the right diet, exercise and hydration.
Fresh air seems to be the keyword and it has been missing from our life whether we are indoor or outdoor. So now raise the question on what we are going to do about it. Fresh air is a great health remedy and ensures the organs get stronger and diseases are kept in bay.
In a building room ventilation is essential because it brings in fresh air from outside and a walk in the fresh air can elevate moods, keep mind clear and helps in keeping us healthy. The curative powers of fresh air and sunlight is undeniable.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) keeps on working on research which will yield results and technologies in reducing and controlling the air pollution and subsequently be able to protect the public health and environment. They are working on lower-costs air sensor monitoring devices to understand air quality and its effects on health and disease. They have been pushing for sustainable and integrated air quality management strategies to work at all fronts (https://www.epa.gov/air-research/history-air-pollution).
The California Academy of Science in San Francisco is one of the well known biggest passively ventilated spaces in the United States where the building depends on clever manipulations of elements to remain cool without air conditioning.
Isn't it great news to build buildings that remain cool with virtually no energy requirements considering that the number of air conditioning units globally are expected to more than triple by 2050 which are the fastest-growing source of potent greenhouse gasses.
Natural Ways for Air Purification
Which air is more polluted and toxic? Indoor or outdoor? You guessed it right. It's shocking to realize that the quality of air we breathe 24/7 inside a building is actually more harmful. Everything in a building consists of harmful chemicals and toxins and breathing the airs full of toxic will lead to frequent medical visits, eating medicine, allergy and etc.
The indoor air has poor quality that can lead to cough, flu, asthma, rashes, irritation, allergies etc. An example of toxic gas which is known as Formaldehyde can be found in shaving creams, carpets, glue, shampoo, insecticides and etc. contains carcinogen that lead to fatal complications. Apart from that, just imagine the chemicals from paint, woodwork, nail products, cleaning products, detergents, plastics and so forth...all of them contribute to the pollution of the air.
Here at WorldTrendz, we wish to advocate natural ways to purify air in a building because 90% of the time we stay indoors. Please make this a priority in providing fresh air for everyone.
Ventilation in Buildings
Ventilation plays an important role especially by reducing the levels of moisture which is one of the major problems that causes poor indoor air quality. You can do this by installing trickle vents to purify and cycle the indoor air that you breathe. Apart from that exhaust fans can be used in kitchen and washrooms to remove pollutants outside. A systematic and proper ventilation of outside air will help reduce the concentration of all airborne contaminants such as viruses.
According to The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the levels of unsafe nitrogen dioxide that gets emitted when a stove is used to cook is one of the major sources of air pollution indoors and dangerous to be inhaled. So by using the exhaust fans, the kitchen will be ventilated. Furthermore, the exhaust fans also help in venting out all the steam and extra moisture that helps mold and mildew to grow in the bathroom.
By increasing ventilation and with other best practices recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other government agencies are able to protect people from COVID-19 (https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/ventilation-and-coronavirus-covid-19).
Natural Pure Beeswax Candles
Beeswax candles have air cleansing properties to purify air and are highly recommended for households with people who suffer from allergies, asthma, sinuses, and sensitivities. Since beeswax burns hotter, then it will have less carbon soot and acts as a natural air purifier which ionizes the air and neutralizes the toxic compounds and other contaminants.
Salt Lamp
The Salt Lamps are made from salt crystals hollowed inside. The combination of the salt and light source inside the lamps produces negative ions which improves breathing that increase Cilia activity that filter out foreign particles and keeps the lungs clean.
It also helps to clean and purify the air through hygroscopic where it attracts and absorbs water molecules from the surrounding that contains contamination such as irritants, pathogens, allergens, dust, smoke etc. Apart from the salty air it also acts as an overall health booster and clears the air passages.
Activated Charcoal and Bamboo Charcoal
Charcoal that is treated with oxygen at a very high temperature is known as activated charcoal and it is a fine, odorless, black powder often used in hospital emergency rooms to treat overdoses with its toxin-absorbing properties. Activated charcoal and bamboo charcoal also can be used as a natural air purifier with its highly-absorptive property.
Houseplant
According to a study conducted by The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), houseplants have the capabilities to purify and rejuvenate the air that we breathe and is able to safeguard us from toxins such as ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene and etc.
It is recommended to have at least one plant per 100 square feet for efficient air cleaning and to encounter the impact of indoor pollution especially when there are family members who are sick with respiratory illness. The best houseplants are
- Peace Lily
- Lady Palm or known as Broadleaf Lady Palm
- Areca Palm or formally known as Butterfly palm
- Golden Cane Palm
- Bamboo Palm
- Chrysanthemum or gracefully known as Pot Mums
- Money Plant or the other names are Golden Pothos or Devil's Ivy or Silver Vine or Centipede Tonga vine
- English Ivy or often called Common Ivy or European Ivy
- Boston Fern
- Spider Plant
Essential Oils
Essential oils such as cinnamon, oregano, rosemary, thyme, grapefruit, lemon, clove, tea tree assists in controlling carbon monoxide and xylene and they are also able to kill viruses, fungi, bacteria, and even mold.
According to the studies from Weber State University, Utah Thieves Oil which has the components of pine needle, cinnamon, thyme, eucalyptus, lemon and grapefruit has a 99.96% kill rate against airborne bacteria which helps keep the air from germs and purifies a fresher and cleaner air.
Fresh Air is important to great health and you should practice inhaling deep breaths in fresh air and many times during the day as possible. Make sure that fresh air always circulates in the buildings and always remember that fresh air is essential for a great health remedy.