To date most of the attention has been given only to outdoor air pollution, but a bigger concern is indoor pollution.  Based on studies conducted by the Enviromental Pollution Agency (EPA), indoor pollution levels may vary from 2 -100% levels outdoors.  People spend about 90% of their time indoors and are greatly affected by this indoor air pollution.

Symptoms of this pollution are often confused with colds or other viral infections.  The following are some symptoms to looks for:  headache, congestion, tiredness, nausea, shortness of breath, coughing and sneezing, eye, nose and throat irritation and dizziness.

Longer term exposure may lead to respiratory diseases, heart diseases, kidney diseases, lung cancer, and aging, as pollution can cause oxygen exhaustion which leads to faster aging.

Some indoor air pollutants you can minimize by filtering out and/or purifiying are:  combustion pollutants, biological pollutants, secondhand smoke, formaldehyde, household products and organic gases, lead, radon and asbestos.

Some ways to do the job efficiently without spending too much include simple changes such as opening windows if the weather permits, avoid using too many disinfectants.  Disinfectants can contain immunotoxicants which reduces the body’s immunity to fight germs.  Hot water or tea tree oil are good alternatives.  Avoid nonstick cookware.  Studies suggest that people who use teflon have a higher level of chemicals in their blood.

Permanent markers contain immunotoxicants, who’d have thought!   Use untreated cotton or linen sheets because others are treated with a formaldehyde finish.  These cannot be removed and they can cause allergies.

Aging slowly, feeling better and looking younger can be the result of lightening the load on your body’s many tasks.

Have a fun and successful day,

Vida