As we hunker down with social distancing, working from home, self-quarantine, and other practices needed to take care of ourselves and our families and to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19, how can we safely and simply improve the indoor air quality we have at home?
Per the United States Environmental Protection Administration (US EPA): “Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often two to five times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.”
The good news is that we have great resources for a range of things we can do from the simple to the sophisticated which we can share with you now.
One of our best is ‘Detox Your Domicile’ featuring our own Green Resources Manager, Jean Ponzi. This video and accompanying materials and checklists help you be mindful of what’s at home and how to make sure your materials are handled properly and well cared for.
The US EPA provides substantial resources on its web pages. Here is an overview and a place to start. Asthma and allergies can be of particular concern at home — especially in a house with children. Managing asthma triggers is an important part of the process.
Our colleagues at the University of Missouri Extension have created this DIY Checklist with things that can be done as a family.
And let’s make sure, those fortunate enough to be able to work from home, keep those spaces tidy as well.
As we work through this time of the Coronavirus we can carefully and productively improve the indoor air quality in our homes by using readily available information on best practices and methods to keep us pointed in healthy directions.
*Picture courtesy of an EarthWays Center staff member working from home.