7 ways to improve your air quality

Air quality isn't just an issue for big cities. In fact, many items in your own home can affect the air you breathe! Pediatrician Tanya Remer Altmann, MD, talks about easy household changes to improve the air you breathe every day.

Transcript

00:00

Compounds found in common room deodorizers could reduce your lung function by 4%. [UPBEAT MUSIC]

00:11

Hi. I'm Dr. Altmann, here with a tip to help your family breathe easier. Take a look at your home's indoor air quality.

00:19

Indoor levels of some pollutants can be up to 50 times higher than outdoors. Here's how to improve your indoor air quality.

00:27

Ban cigarette smoke. It's the single largest source of particulate pollution inside homes.

00:33

Skip air fresheners and spray-on cleaners. Compounds found in common room deodorizers could reduce your lung function by 4%.

00:41

Open the windows. That's especially important if you live in a tightly constructed, energy-efficient new home.

00:48

It may have higher pollution levels than a drafty older home. Keep furnaces in good repair. Also, be sure vents to heaters, clothes dryers,

00:57

and ranges are kept clean and working properly. Avoid gassy decor. No-iron linens and drapes may release formaldehyde,

01:06

which can trigger allergies, asthma, nausea, coughing, chest tightness, and wheezing. Wash all permanent-press curtains, bedding, and clothes

01:15

before use. You'll reduce formaldehyde emissions by 60%. Finally, add some houseplants.

01:21

Live plants filter out amounts of harmful, volatile organic compounds from your air. [AUDIO LOGO]