For many tenants searching for apartments for rent, indoor air quality is a top concern. Improper air circulation and tenant neglect in home upkeep during the rental can lead to a buildup of indoor contaminants. To improve air quality, it’s important to ensure effective air exchange through the use of exhaust fans and regular window opening. Maintaining optimal indoor humidity with household devices like air conditioners and dehumidifiers also helps reduce allergens and moisture, while timely repair of leaks keeps humidity levels within a healthy range.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Improving the quality of air inside of the home is especially critical in rental properties where occupants have little control over design modifications. HEPA air purifiers are especially useful in removing small particles such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. These devices are very useful in alleviating the burden of indoor pollution which aggravates asthma and other respiratory conditions. HEPA filters are also efficient when used with activated carbon filters and help in reducing smells as well as removing some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air, thereby improving its cleanliness and safety.
Proper kitchen air ventilations help in reducing indoor air pollutants of cooking origins which is one of the major contributors to indoor pollution. Opening windows or using exhaust fans to improve overall air circulation in the kitchen assists in alleviating some cooking pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulates produced from gas stoves or frying. Timely replacement and regular servicing of air purifiers and HVAC systems also help in the control of airborne pollutants in the home as well as the indoor environment.
Concerning the heightened indoor air pollution, the use of gas stoves should be addressed. Gas stoves may increase the indoor concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) which can trigger and worsen asthma and other chronic respiratory problems, particularly in the children and other vulnerable populations. Maintenance of exhaust hoods in the kitchen, including the periodic cleaning of filters and screens, is important in the prevention of the accumulation of grease and particulate matter which can impair ventilation. Moreover, the use of electric or induction cookers can be adopted as a long-term strategy to mitigate air pollution from indoor cooking activities.
Manage Pests Safely
To prevent pests, you need to deny them food, water, and shelter. Storing food in airtight containers and disposing of waste in sealed trash is helpful. In addition, removing clutter makes it easier to clean and make your house more hygienic.
To reduce risk and protect your safety, follow the shelter for pests:
- Use sticky traps in conjunction with baits to reduce harmful chemical product exposure.
- When chemical intervention is required, do not forget to read the directions and use it according to the guidelines to protect children, pets, and household members.
- Dispose of unused chemicals responsibly as it can cause exposure or harm to the environment.
- Inspect your house on a regular basis for infested areas; if they are present, cover any holes in the walls, windows, or doors.
- Ensure clean furniture and surfaces as they attract pests; pay close attention to cramped spaces with sticky furniture, as they may attract pests.
Ensure Safe Cooking Practices
Careful cooking methods are fundamental to minimizing indoor air pollution and maintaining a clean interior atmosphere. The use of exhaust fans while cooking is crucial because removing ventilated air from the indoor space enhances the indoor environment by removing products of cooking gas combusted within stoves. Cooking gas combustion generates harmful nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide gases, which are known to worsen asthma and other respiratory diseases, particularly in the older and weaker segments of the population. Regular cleaning of kitchen instruments like stove hoods and filters ensures their functioning and prevents the buildup of harmful grease and dirt, which fosters a cleaner kitchen environment.
Besides, cooking methods like boiling and baking should be prioritized to restrict the discharge of pollutant such as particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are commonplace in frying. To promote better kitchen cleaning without releasing toxic VOCs, select VOC-free kitchen chemicals. For kitchen surface cleaning, baking soda is perfect as it lessens the risk of chemical exposure while enhancing kitchen cleanliness.
As part of indoor air quality management, users of the space, as well as the tenants, need to make sure to address their exhaust fans as well as any odor issues so that proper remedial action may be undertaken.
Monitor and Reduce Exposure to Chemicals
Keeping tracks of and minimizing exposure to chemicals indoors is essential for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. To mitigate health risks and improve indoor air quality, one can substitute chemical cleaners with natural alternatives. Using chemicals indoors requires proper ventilation to control harmful fumes and maintain air purity.
Surface cleaning and proper storage of chemicals can reduce indoor exposure to chemical storage. Keeping and storing these chemicals where children and pets cannot reach ensures their safety. Each cleaning product comes labeled with instructions, and following these instructions is essential to avoid mixing incompatible cleaning substances that can create toxic gases which are a severe health hazard.
Restricting access to VOCs, for example, paints, air fresheners and aerosol sprays also reduce pollution indoors. These products can easily be substituted with low VOC or VOC free alternatives which greatly enhance indoor environments, particularly for those sensitive or having respiratory ailments.
Regularly refreshing the air after the use of cleaning chemicals or other products that use fumes indoor helps in the removal of contaminants. Proper ventilation such as opening windows while using exhaust fans combined with outdoor fresh air helps greatly reduce indoor chemical exposure.
