tips to minimize pollutants

Indoor air pollution can be up to five times worse than outdoor air pollution, largely because of common household products that pollute your indoor air. Here are a few suggestions:

• Bleach and other chemical cleansers — Many common cleansers contain environmental pollutants. Try to substitute natural cleansers whenever possible. You can find natural cleaning products at health food stores, or make them yourself out of non-toxic cleaning ingredients such as pine oil, baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice.
• Cooking hardware — Gas stoves and appliances release fumes into the air. If your home is equipped with gas appliances, make sure that rooms containing those appliances are well ventilated.
• Candles — Many candles release soot and other pollutants into the air. Those made with metal wicks are especially toxic, since they release lead into the air as well. Paraffin itself (a petroleum-based ingredient used to make candles) is known to be a pollutant. If you’re concerned about air quality, try natural paraffin-free candles instead.
• Perfumes — They smell like flowers, but they breathe like chemicals - at least the ones that are made with chemicals. Look for perfumes that use only natural ingredients or try creating your own scents from natural oils instead.
• Incense — Smoke is an air pollutant, even when it smells sweet. You can use dried flower potpourri or other natural olfactory enhancers to get the same effect.
• Dry-cleaning — Many professional dry cleaners use a carcinogenic cleaning agent called “perc.” Hand-wash your delicate clothing with a gentle, natural cleanser instead. If you must dry clean a piece of clothing, hang it outside to fumigate before you wear it or store it in your closet.