Fresh Air

A person can live for a month or more without food and for a few days without water, but only for minutes without air. Comprised of about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and 1% other gases, the air in our atmosphere must be in balance to provide a healthy environment for earth and its inhabitants. Although this balance is maintained by natural geological and biological processes, the air is becoming increasingly more polluted, largely due to human activities such as the burning of non-renewable fuels.

Air Pollution

It is estimated that due to air pollution, those living in large cities have the same risks of developing lung cancer as those who smoke two packs of cigarettes every day. Studies also show however, that indoor air pollution is usually worse than that outside, even in large cities. Air pollutants include liquid, solid and gaseous chemicals, particulate matter, biological materials or other toxins in the air which are damaging to the environment, or hazardous to the health of humans or other living organisms. Although nature produces its own share of air pollutants, people are responsible for much of the air pollution we have today. It may be impossible for a single person or family to eliminate outdoor air pollution alone, but most indoor air pollution (including that from toxic chemicals, animal dander, moulds and dust mites) can be reduced:

Reduce chemical air pollutants with the use of non-toxic, earth friendly building materials, furniture, appliances, decor, carpets, paints, fabrics and cleaning supplies.

Air filtration, indoor plants and other air purification methods help to reduce all forms of indoor air pollution. Reusable, non-toxic air filters can be used in air vents, screens can be installed in windows (to allow air into and out of the home, without letting in bugs and pests), and plants can be grown wherever there is sufficient light.

Passive heating, cooling, ventilation and circulation reduces energy consumption and the need for wood or coal burning stoves, swamp coolers, air conditioning units and other air pollution sources in the home.

Moulds and dust mites need water to live, grow and reproduce. Humidity control is therefore one of the most effective measures we can take to prevent condensation, water damage and other common sources of moulds and dust mites.