Pollution&Body

How To Improve Pollution Effects

Air Purifiers

The New York Times has an artivle called "The Best Air Purifer" from early March of 2023. there they say, "a great air purifier one can improve your life by reducing airborne allergens such as pollen and mold spores and capturing bacteria, viruses, and smoke from wildfires and other sources" and "to qualify as great, however, an air purifier doesn’t just need to work well; it also needs to be robustly engineered and thoughtfully designed".

After the Wirecutter tested for nine years, during which they tested more than 50 different air purifiers, they believe that the exceptional Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty is the best among them.

Although they suggest that to be the best purifier, things to consider for yourself is:

• Which room you'll be using it in? For example you will want a powerful one if it is being placed near a stove or fireplace, but may want to consider a quiter one for the bedroom. Especially for children that may not be able to sleep because of the noise.
• Do you live in a location with a lot of wildfires or viruses? Although air purifiers are not 100% perfect, they can help catch smoke particles and airborne viruses.

Plants

NC State University says that "Some plants have the ability to assimilate, degrade, or modify toxic pollutants in air into less toxic ones." and "Plants to be used for air phytoremediation have the potential to reduce pollutants in air and improve air quality; they also fix carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and help to decrease greenhouse gases in the atmosphere."

Also, you need to be aware that some plants are not sutible for pets and children. And, if not properly cared for, plants can become the perfect home for mold.

ASPCA.org provided the list of plants and the information. They also give some tips to prevent mold; “An increase in plants can also affect humidity and promote mold growth. You can prevent this by letting the water drain into a pan or a tray, removing excess water regularly, and using sub-irrigation planters. Covering the top of the soil with Spanish moss or aquarium gravel also removes mold.”

Easy to care for plants:

• Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum)

  • known as air plants, spider plants grow quickly and look great in hanging baskets, especially in your workspace. Sometimes they even produce lovely white blossoms.
  • Plant care: Water your spider plants two to three times a week.
  • Non-toxic: For children or animals who like to play with swinging things, this plant is safe.
  • Eliminates: formaldehyde, xylene

• Dracaenas

  • Dracaenas are a newbie's green thumb’s dream. This large group of houseplants comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
  • Plant care: Keep the soil damp but not soggy, as too much water is a kiss of death for this plant.
  • Toxic to animals: Your cat or dog may vomit, salivate more, or have dilated pupils if they eat dracaenas.
  • Eliminates: formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, benzene, trichloroethylene

• Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

  • Also known as devil’s ivy, this plant may be as close as plants can get to indestructible. It flourishes in a variety of conditions and can grow up to 8 feet long. It’s also considered one of the most effective indoor air purifiers for removing common toxins.
  • Plant care: Water when the soil is dry. You can trim the tendrils when the plant gets too big.
  • Toxic to animals: Keep this plant out of reach for both cats and dogs
  • Eliminates: formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, benzene, carbon monoxide, and more.

• Areca palms (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)

  • This small plant from Madagascar is easier to grow outdoors. But if you have a space with bright filtered light, its gracefully arching leaves will make a pretty addition to the room.
  • Plant care: This thirsty plant needs plenty of water during growth, but less in the winter.
  • Non-toxic: These tall plants and their leaves are non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
  • Eliminates: benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and more.

• Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

  • Florist’s “mums”, or November’s birth flower, are ranked the highest for air purification. They’re shown to eliminate common toxins as well as ammonia.
  • Treat yourself to a fresh pot, as this flower only blooms for about six weeks. Or you can fertilize the pot again in the spring when new growth appears. But without the flowers, it won’t be purifying the air. If you don’t want to wait, you might want to just get a new pot.
  • Plant care: Check the soil’s moisture every other day, and keep it damp.Toxic to animals: Even though it has a friendly name, mums are toxic to both cats and dogs.
  • Eliminates: formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and ammonia.

Harder to care for plants:

• Bamboo palms (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

  • This sturdy plant is known for its easy elegance and height. It likes bright, but not direct sunlight, and does have preferences about its care. Bamboo palms also transpire a healthy dose of moisture into the air, making them a welcome addition in dry winter months.
  • Plant care: Keep the soil moist. Place bamboo palms where air circulates freely, and mist occasionally to prevent spider mites.
  • Non-toxic: Bamboo palms are safe to keep in a house with pets.
  • Eliminates: formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide, xylene, chloroform, and more.

• English ivy (Hedera helix)

  • This evergreen climbing plant is well adapted to indoor conditions. Different varieties will prefer different light situations, from bright, indirect light to low-light spaces. It’ll look especially picturesque growing from a hanging basket or around your windowsill.
  • Plant care: Water generously during growth, but don’t overwater during the winter.
  • Toxic to animals and humans: Although the English ivy thrives almost anywhere, it’s known to cause problems in dogs, farm animals, and humans when eaten. The chemicals in the sap can also cause severe contact dermatitis in humans, especially those with sensitive skin.
  • Eliminates: benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and more.

• Rubber plants (Ficus elastic)

  • Rubber plants are evergreen trees from India. Their roots grow upwards and often become entwined around the plant’s trunk, forming interesting shapes. These plants love bright, filtered light and a little attention now and then.
  • Plant care: Water moderately to keep the soil moist, especially in the winter. Prune the leaves and wipe them down to keep them looking pretty.
  • Toxic to animals: Rubber plants are toxic to cats and dogs.
  • Eliminates: carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and more.

• Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema)

  • These evergreen perennials are native to tropical forests in Asia. In addition to looking patterned and colorful, these pretty plants can remove many common toxins. But caring for these plants may require extra attention.
  • Plant care: Water moderately and allow the compost to almost dry out before watering. Chinese evergreens like high humidity, a little regular misting, and getting repotted every few years.
  • Toxic to animals: Chinese evergreen plants are toxic to dogs.
  • Eliminates: benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and more.

• Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum)

  • In the 1980s, NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America discovered that peace lilies were one of the top three plants for removing common household toxins, even ammonia.
  • Plant care: Keep soil slightly moist. Peace lilies thrive in most lighting conditions, but too little light can prevent flowers from blooming.
  • Toxic to animals and humans: Despite its calming name, this beautiful plant is toxic to cats, dogs, and children. It’s best to keep this as an ornamental plant as it can cause burning, swelling, and skin irritation in adults.
  • Eliminates: formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, ammonia, and more.

Household Supplies

Did you know daily objects like cleaning supplies, glues, synthetic materials like plastic and rubber, using ovens, or even the carpets in our homes can all contribute to pollution?

To start, ASPCA.org mentions the easiest fixes would to make sure your home is vaccumed often and there is good ventilation. Some switches that may be harder for some are avoiding synthtic cleaners or air freshners and reducing the humidity in your home.

The EPA.gov "Exposure to mercury threatens our health, with many often irreversible toxic effects. Developing fetuses and young children are most at risk. Mercury pollution also harms wildlife and ecosystems."

EPA.gov also says mercury can be found in:

• Older model electric appliances like chest freezers, space heaters, clothes dryers, clothes irons and washing machines
• Gas-fired appliances, including ovens, water heaters, furnaces, poll heaters, and appliances in some recreational vehicles
• Cars manufactured before 2003
• Batteries
• LCD screens and monitors
• Televisions manufactured before 1991
• Fluorescent bulbs, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), high intensity discharge (HID) lamps, ultraviolet lamps, neon lights

"Anthropogenic (human-caused) emissions include mercury that is released from fuels or raw materials, or from uses in products or industrial processes."

So, what do you do if you own an item containing mercury and you are ready to get rid of it? How can you recycle the item in a way it won't add to air pollution? EPA.gov also says, "Please recycle mercury-containing products rather than disposing of them in regular household trash. Recycling mercury-containing products is one of the best ways to help prevent mercury releases to the environment by keeping these products out of landfills and incinerators. Once landfilled, mercury from the products may end up in groundwater, and potentially in sources of drinking water. Once incinerated, mercury may end up in the air."

"Many states and local agencies have developed collection/exchange programs for mercury-containing devices such as thermometers, manometers, and thermostats. Some counties and cities also have household hazardous waste collection programs. For information about these programs, contact your local officials to find out when and where a collection will be held in your area."

Simple Supply Switches

It's funny that the same products we use disinfect surfaces also add to the air pollution in our homes. Even products that are labeled "green" or "natural" isn't perfect. American Lung Association says that "Some products release dangerous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are chemicals that vaporize at room temperature. Even natural fragrances such as citrus can react to produce dangerous pollutants indoors."

VOCs and other chemicals released when using cleaning supplies contribute to chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions and headaches. Studies are underway to assess how these chemicals affect people who have asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Studies also link exposure to chemicals from cleaning supplies to occupational asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

Cleaning supplies and household products containing VOCs and other toxic substances can include, but are not limited to:

• Aerosol spray products, including health, beauty and cleaning products
• Air fresheners
• Chlorine bleach
• Detergent and dishwashing liquid
• Dry cleaning chemicals
• Rug and upholstery cleaners
• Furniture and floor polish
• Oven cleaners

*Never mix bleach or any bleach-containing product with any cleaner containing ammonia. The gases created from this combination can lead to chronic breathing problems and even death.

That's a lot to consider, and it is overwhelming for most to know if they have picked the best products. BetterGoods.org analyzed the ingridients in "non-toxic" cleaners, and some products conatied ingredients that they don't agree with. This is why you should always do further research than what is being advertised.

BetterGood.org also includes a list of reasons to switch to true, non-toxic cleaners:

Solutions other than switching cleaning supply brands:

"They improve the air quality in your home. Traditional cleaning products release harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can contribute to indoor air pollution. Truly non-toxic cleaners, on the other hand, do not release VOCs, making them a safer choice for your home."
• "They’re better for the environment. Non-toxic cleaners are often made from plant-based or naturally derived biodegradable ingredients that do not harm the environment. Conventional cleaners, on the other hand, may contain toxic chemicals like petroleum-based ingredients that can be harmful to the environment."
• "Ingredient transparency. By law, cleaning product manufacturers are not required to list all of the ingredients on their labels, so you may not know what’s in the products you’re using. Non-toxic cleaners often transparently list their ingredients in a simple and easy-to-understand way, giving you the information you need to make informed decisions about what’s best for your family’s health."
• "They reduce the risk of allergies and asthma. Conventional cleaning products can trigger allergies, asthma attacks, and other respiratory issues in people with sensitivities. Non-toxic cleaners, on the other hand, do not contain harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances that can exacerbate these conditions. Switching to non-toxic cleaners can help reduce the risk of allergies and asthma."
• "They’re just as effective. In the past, non-toxic cleaners may not have been as powerful or effective as conventional cleaners. However, today’s non-toxic cleaning products have been improved to offer comparable performance without sacrificing safety. Some natural cleaning ingredients like vinegar and baking soda have powerful cleaning properties that are just as effective as their chemical counterparts."
• "They’re safer for pets. Pets, especially cats and dogs, spend much time on the floor and can come into contact with toxic cleaning chemicals. Non-toxic cleaners are much less likely to cause a reaction in pets and are less likely to harm them if ingested."
• "They have fewer harsh odors. Non-toxic cleaners are often made with natural ingredients like essential oils and plant-based fragrances that provide a pleasant scent without being overpowering. Conventional cleaners, on the other hand, may contain artificial fragrances, alcohols, and other chemicals that can have strong and unpleasant odors."

Ingredients BetterGood.org are concerned about that have not been banned in the U.S.:

• "2-Butoxyethanol (2-BE) – The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that this ingredient causes numerous health issues including liver damage in animal studies. This ingredient can be found in several types of cleanings, including glass cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, and oven cleaners."
• "Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QUATS) – Quats are biocides that may cause skin and respiratory irritation. They are known allergens and have been linked to occupational asthma in those exposed daily. QUATS can be found in cleaning products including laundry detergents, stain removers, all-purpose cleaners, and degreasers."
• "Coal tar dyes – Synthetic coal tar dyes are used to give products funky unnatural colors. They’re used in all types of products, especially cleaning and beauty products. Coal tar dyes can contain traces of heavy metals, which can be toxic to humans if ingested or absorbed through the skin. Coal tar dyes are a known human carcinogen."
• "MEA (monoethanalomine), DEA (diethanolamine), TEA(triethanolamine) – These chemicals are used as emulsifiers and foaming agents in many cleaning products, including shampoos and laundry detergents. These ingredients can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a possible cancer-causing agent."
• "Phosphates – Phosphates are commonly used in cleaning products to soften hard water and increase the cleaning power of detergents. Unfortunately, phosphates can cause significant environmental problems by promoting algal blooms in bodies of water that can deplete oxygen levels, killing off aquatic life."
• "Sodium lauryl sulfate / sodium laureth sulfate – These chemicals are among the harshest ingredients used in cleaning products. They can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. SLS and SLES are surfactants, giving products the foaming action you’re familiar with in shampoos, toothpaste, and cleaning products."
• "Triclosan – Triclosan is an antibacterial ingredient found in many household products, including hand soaps and body washes. It is a known endocrine disruptor and has been linked to creating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The European Union also classifies triclosan as a skin and eye irrtant. In 2016, the FDA banned triclosan from hand soaps and body washes."
• "PEGs / polyethylene glycol – PEGs are used as surfactants and thickeners in many cleaning products. They can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, both of which are probable human carcinogens. PEGs are also skin irritants."
• "Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) – This is a preservative that is linked to neurotoxicity and organ system toxicity."

How BetterGood.org determined this:

Each ingredient in every product was researched and analyzed for safety based on available public research. Where possible, sources for information are included.

Products they suggest to use:

1. Amazon.com
2. Target.com
3. Amazon.com
4. Amazon.com
5. TheThriveMarket.com
6. ECOS.com
7. ThriveMarket.com
8. There are multiple more options listen on BetterGoods.org and all have a list of ingredients included.

American Lung Association suggests to "Read all labels on cleaning supplies and household products before you buy them. Choose products that do not contain or have reduced amounts of VOCs, fragrances, irritants and flammable ingredients. Avoid using air fresheners altogether."

Manufacturers are not obligated by U.S. law to list all ingredients in consumer products. Products that are labeled "green" do not necessarily mean they are safer. Do a little research on the product from a reliable source. For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a list of products that meet its Safer Choice requirements for cleaning and other needs. The list includes cleaning products for home and vehicles.

As a safer cleaning alternative, warm water and soap often will do the trick, especially at home. Baking soda is good for scrubbing. A mix of vinegar and water can clean glass.

When using cleaning or household products, keep the area well ventilated. Open windows and doors. Never use cleaning products in a small, enclosed space.

Ground-Level Ozone & Smog

What can you do to protect yourself or your child from smog if you have asthma or allergies?

No switch will ever make it perfect, but WebMD suggests you can try:

"Keep track of the daily air quality index in your area by checking local news reports so you'll know how high the pollution levels will be that day. When the color-coded alert level reaches the orange level, the air is considered to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. People with respiratory conditions such as asthma, especially children, should take precautions. Stay indoors. If you must go outside, keep activity low and take frequent breaks.""
• "When the air quality index goes past orange and up to the red alert level, the air quality is rated "unhealthy." People with asthma or severe allergies should stay indoors as much as possible and avoid outdoor activity."
• "If you must go outside when the air quality index is poor, do it in the morning, before the heat of the day generates more smog and ozone, and avoid exercising outdoors."
• Outdoor air pollution can also get inside. Make sure your heat and air conditioning system has a MERV 11 or 12-level filter to screen out particulates. During the spring months, when you’re tempted to open the windows, check air quality levels first. If they’re high, resist the spring air and use a circulating fan instead.