Follow along on my journey…a quest for better indoor air quality
After researching all the bad and scary things that could be in the air we’re breathing (and how they get there), I’ve become increasingly concerned.
I have a little one who spends the majority of her time at home. She is my primary motivator. I want to do right by her.
I am very mindful of the things I bring into my home, especially since the arrival of baby. I research like crazy to try and minimize the harmful toxics that could be lurking in everyday products (and especially toys!), but I’m afraid there could be hidden dangers right under our nose.
Some of my main concerns:
- House was built 1978. Lead in paint was banned the same year.
- Windows are original to the house. They are quite drafty. I believe they are a possible culprit to our dust problem (see below). We are planning on replacing the windows and I’m concerned what this would do to our air quality (both construction and material of windows).
- As mentioned above, we have a dust problem. Dust accumulates so quickly. Thick, visible layers of dust.
- Two dogs + sandy backyard = constantly trying to stay on top of dirt. I’m concerned what this combination could be doing to our air quality.
- We live near a major highway.
Action Plan:
I can’t stew and stress about what could be, I have to take action. Luckily, we live in a world where we have access to information and resources. I’m going to document all the steps I take towards learning about and bettering our indoor air quality, in hopes that it will help others as well.
Specifically, I plan on purchasing an indoor air quality monitor and answering the following questions:
- How bad/good is my current indoor air quality?
- Are there certain rooms in my house that have better/worse indoor air quality?
- Does buying a better HVAC air filter improve my indoor air quality?
- Which indoor air purifier should I buy? Does it improve my indoor air quality?
- What windows should I buy?
- What does the installation of windows do to my indoor air quality (both in the short-term and long-term)?
- Does opening my windows more (or less) improve my indoor air quality? (I’ve heard conflicting advice!)
- Do plants improve my indoor air quality? Can I actually keep them alive (I wish I were kidding…brown thumb here!)
- What does new furniture do to my indoor air quality? Does it off-gas dangerous levels of toxins? (I plan on buying a Kallax cube shelf from Ikea among other things!) Does having an air purifier help?
I plan on posting all updates in one consolidated spot (see The Quest for Better Indoor Air Quality – START HERE (Table of Contents)).
Subscribe or follow me on Instagram @modernmindfulmom for updates!
What are you concerned about? Certain toxins or products? Any theories you want me to test? Any advice you have? Please let me know!
