Natural Home Air Purifiers
Indoor air quality should be a part of home health and cleaning practises—not just for those compromised with asthma or allergies, but for all. We take about 20,000 breaths each day and spend 90% of our time indoors. This, coupled with the global pandemic that has us cooped up inside more often, can significantly affect indoor air quality of our homes. Certain contaminants and allergens like gases, chemicals and other pollutants can cause headaches, eye irritation, allergies and fatigue. The sources of these, according to the EPA, are not just commonly known pollutants that many of us try to avoid like tobacco smoke, but also include household cleaning supplies; personal care products like fragrances; central heating & cooling systems; humidification devices; and excess moisture.
The tools and practises below can significantly reduce environmental contaminants and triggers, providing healthier air to breathe.
Himalayan Pink Salt Lamp
Himalayan pink salt is a natural air purifier that pulls toxins from the environment and neutralises them. In fact, all salt crystal products reduce airborne irritants, allergens and pathogens by pulling water vapour out of the air and releasing negative ions that neutralise such pollutants.
Although their effect increases when the light is turned on to heat the salt, they work to purify even when turned off.
Beeswax Candles
Candles are soothing but not all of them are made equal, especially scented ones. Most candles are made out of paraffin, which are derived of petroleum and release pollutants like benzene, toluene and soot into the air. Instead of these, you can opt to light beeswax candles.
Not only do beeswax candles not contain the aforementioned toxins, but they also have the ability to ionise the air and neutralise airborne contaminants. Although they’re a bit more costly than paraffin candles, they don’t need to be replaced as often as they have a slow and even burn. In fact, absolutely pure quality of beeswax candles burn with almost no smoke or scent. They are even safe for asthmatic patients and can be helpful for them as they can reduce common allergenic triggers in the air.
Like the salt lamp, beeswax candles also release negative ions into the air and purify the air as such. Our favourite beeswax candles are from Calico Botanicals, which are handcrafted in Duwamish land (Seattle, WA) and can be purchased here.
Houseplants
Plants are commonly known as air purifiers; according to a study by NASA, plants can even safeguard us from side effects associated with prevalent toxins like ammonia, formaldehyde, and benzene. However, NASA found that certain plants are better at eliminating pollutants than others. According to the study, the top workhorse plants for air purification are Golden Pothos, Peace Lily, Boston Fern, Snake Plant, English Ivy, Dracaena, Bamboo Palm, Dragon Tree, Lady Palm and Spider Plant.
It’s suggested to keep a plant every 100 square-foot of your home to reap the most out of plant’s purifying capabilities. The most effective plants that can filter toxins from the air are Lady Palm or Broad-Leaf Palm, which prefer bright indirect light, and Peace Lily, which prefers very moderate light.
The Butterfly Palm, Golden Cane Palm, and Bamboo Palm, all grow in indirect light and can be kept anywhere in the house. They should especially be kept in carpeted rooms, which retain more allergens, or those recently painted. The Spider Plant is useful in a kitchen with a gas stove, as it helps control the carbon monoxide and xylene in the air.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal, also called activated carbon, is an odourless porous structure that is highly absorptive. It helps remove bacteria and other pollutants from the air. It also absorbs moisture, preventing mold and mildew. These bags of bamboo charcoal are great to place around the home and only need to be left in the sun once a month to rejuvenate its properties.
Proper Ventilation
If you live in an area that doesn’t have high air pollution or poor Air Quality Index (AQI), opt for leaving a window open throughout the day or overnight. I live in Baltimore, MD and although we often have moderate air quality, I always have a window open even through the Winter in my bedroom and living room. An added bonus is that sleeping in a cooler room boosts metabolism and promotes more restful sleep.
If the air quality is poor or temperatures don’t permit, it’s better to install trickle vents if possible to purify and recycle indoor air. Exhaust fans are also a great alternative that help push pollutants outside. Also ensure proper ventilation after taking a shower to prevent moisture, mildew, and mold. It’s not necessary to open a window—at least open the bathroom door all the way to let all the steam out.
Kitchens also need to be properly ventilated, as they are a major cause of indoor air pollution, especially if you use a gas stove. "Cooking a single meal on a gas stove can produce levels of nitrogen dioxide that the EPA considers unsafe to breathe," according to a report. Open the window or a door out when cooking if possible to let fumes out.
Vacuum and Dust Regularly
Pollutants and allergens can also be kept at by through regular vacuuming and dusting. Carpets and rugs are especially good at collecting air pollutants, so be sure to clean them regularly. I recommend vacuuming one or two times a week and doing a monthly deep clean with a foamy cleaner for carpets and rugs.
Maintain Clean Filters
It’s easy to forget that filters need cleaning and replacement as well. Regularly clean and replace furnace, A/C, and other device filters . If you have central air, consider investing in a HEPA filter if possible, which is designed with a web of fibers that catches harmful air particles before you breathe them in.
DIY Box Fan Air Purifier
Air purifiers can be very costly, but there’s a DIY option by University of Michigan Medicine that can be utilised as a comparable alternative.
About the Author
Almila Kakinc is the Founder, Editor-in-Chief of The Thirlby. She is also the author of the book The Thirlby: A Field Guide to a Vibrant Mind, Body, & Soul. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Nursing as a Dean’s Scholar at Johns Hopkins University. Her background is in Anthropology & Literature, which she has further enriched through her Integrative Health Practitioner training at Duke University. She lives in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area, where she regularly contributes to various publications. She is a member of Democratic Socialists of America and urges others to join the movement.
