Environment
Let’s Talk about Air
Feb
What’s in your Air?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air is the immediate air in our surroundings like our homes, apartment complexes, and work buildings. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures and directly to our overall health.
Indoor air pollution-caused deaths – breakdown by disease:
- 34% – stroke
- 26% – ischaemic heart disease
- 22% – COPD ( chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- 12% – acute lower respiratory infections in children
- 6% – lung cancer
Here are three easy steps to enhance your air quality within your home to improve your overall health and reduce risks of pollutant triggered including asthma, respiratory illness, or heart disease. Research conducted by the World Health Organization illustrated the effects of indoor air quality directly impact the quality of life.
Know the Science
Take the time to research items that you bring into your home. Proposition 65 ( Prop 65 ) was established in California to educate and warn its residents of the harmful effects of exposure to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or cause other reproductive harm. When purchasing products that contain these chemicals, the companies by law must include a warning label on the products, even if the products are purchased online. Visit prop65warnings.ca.gov to access the database.
Eliminate the Artificial Air Fresheners
Eliminate the use of synthetic air fresheners and or air deodorizers as they contain volatile organic compounds ( VOCs), chemicals that quickly transform to vapor or gas at room temperature. Air fresheners contain phthalates that leave residue on the top surfaces, especially our skin. When these compounds get into your bloodstream become endocrine disruptors.
An excellent replacement for synthetic air fresheners is using an essential oil diffuser at home.
3. Use Indoor Air Purifiers
Air purifiers are a great way to purify and recycle your air indoors as they remove odors from pets, cooking, dust, and even viruses from the air. Select a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, ideal for trapping ultra-small particles like dander, mold, smoke, dust, pollen, or allergens in the air. The industry standard for HEPA filters is that the unit must extract at least 99.97% of particulates measuring 0.3 microns in diameter when tested in a lab.
When considering getting a new air purifier, select one that best suits your air quality requirements and budget. Air purification plants are another great options that naturally improve air quality in the home or office. They bring beautiful elements of nature and color into your space. Visit your local plant nursery and ask about their available options. Some popular purifying plants include; Barberton Daisy, Money Plant, English Ivy, Aloe, Snake Plant ( Mother in Law’s Tongue), and Spider plant.
Farrah was born on the Nature Isle of the Caribbean, Dominica. An island, known for its rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and extensive centenarian population. Dominica instilled in her a respect for nature, the environment, and the power of healthy living. It is apparent why she became an Environmental Scientist. After much success in her industry, Farrah found a growing need for community-based health education and founded Gaia’s Essence, a lifestyle company for women. Over the years, she has partnered with Fortune 500 companies like; Whole Foods Market, Disney, and OWN. She is the Editor in Chief of Gaia’s Essence Magazine, the producer of the New Year New You Summit, the Gaia’s Essence Women’s Wellness Conference, host of the Beast Mamas podcast, and founder of the Gaia’s Essence Network.
She lives in California with her husband and her two children.