Because their immune systems haven’t fully developed yet, babies and young children are more likely to get sick due to indoor air pollution. Fortunately, there are preventive measures that parents can take to steer their precious children away from pesky indoor pollutants.
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Purify the indoor air. One of the most cost-effective ways to reduce indoor air pollutants is to install a quality air purifier in your baby’s room. There are plenty of makes and models on the market, so you can surely find one that fits your safety and budget requirements. Make sure, however, that it’s equipped with HEPA filters, as these are the most efficient.
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Regulate indoor humidity. High humidity not only causes difficulty breathing, it can also lead to the growth of unwanted microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. Your indoor humidity level should be from 30%-50%, though the ideal number is around 45%. If you need to decrease the humidity in your home, run exhaust fans in rooms that tend to see more moisture — such as bathrooms and the kitchen — or install a dehumidifier in the nursery.
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Choose the right bedding. In addition to keeping your baby warm and snug, you want their bedding to protect them from various airborne contaminants like pollen, mold and dust mites. Use organic covers to minimize unpleasant particles that your newborn or toddler could inhale when sleeping. You also want to wash these covers using detergents that are free of chemicals and perfume so that fumes won’t irritate your young one’s throat.
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Remove toxic paints. Most wall paints and finishes emit toxic chemicals that can cause adverse long-term health effects. You can avoid this by using VOC-free paints so that your child doesn’t inhale toxic fumes while they sleep.
For indoor air quality solutions such as duct cleaning and air purifier installation, turn to Climate Systems Heating and Cooling. Give us a call at (724) 935-3900 or fill out our contact form to schedule a service appointment with one of our certified technicians.
