Fun fact: The air inside your houses is two to five times more toxic and polluted compared to outdoor air.

Most people are not familiar with this information. It’s so ironic that we pop health medicines on a daily basis, stress over our allergies, and go to regular health check-ups, but neglect a basic thing – purify and clean the air we breathe 24/7.
There are several major contributors to air pollution at home. One example is formaldehyde, a poisonous gas that is usually found in everyday materials such as shaving creams, glues, carpets, and insecticides (read further in Family Hype site). In addition, this gas can also be found in chemicals from house woodworks, nail and hair products, detergents, and paint. Some harmful chemicals can also be found on mattresses and even kids’ pajamas!
Breathing in all of the toxic gases mentioned above usually take a toll on our health. It can irritate the eyes, rashes, and asthma.
“Other inhaled gases may cause a general body poisoning (including breathing difficulty) because they are poisonous to the body’s cells (such as cyanide) or because they displace oxygen in the blood and therefore limit the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues (such as methane or carbon dioxide),”says Abigail R. Lara, M.D. of the University of Colorado.
To avoid these effects, listed below are some of the home remedies which can help purify the air in our home.
Increase Ventilation

The simplest way to increase the ventilation at home is by letting some of the air outside enter the house. This practice is essential, especially when taking a shower, cleaning, cooking, and air-drying the laundry. Even areas with ventilation systems, such as bathrooms and kitchens, are in need of the air from the outside.
According to Mom Junction, moisture is a major contributor to indoor air quality problems. Hence, reducing the moisture levels inside houses can help purify the air inside.
Invest In Beeswax Candles And Salt Lamps
Beeswax candles and salt lamps are considered natural air purifiers. Beeswax candles neutralize toxic wastes circulating, ionize the air inside houses, and help remove common allergens from the air. According to Pierce Howard, Ph.D , “generally speaking, negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain; resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy. These kinds of candles also burn without any smoke or scent which are also advantageous to those with asthma. You can find more of Beeswax candles in Mom 365.

On the other hand, salt lamps are effective air purifiers also. According to Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja, a researcher and doctor, “Salt crystal products have a tendency to decrease airborne irritants, allergens, and pathogens by drawing water vapor out of the air. The Himalayan pink salt, also a natural ionic air purifier, draws toxins from the environment and neutralizes them.” Simply placing the salt lamp anywhere in the room will do the trick.
Consider Using Charcoal
As mentioned above, the presence of moisture leads to toxic air since bacteria thrive in its presence. Using binchotan, a kiln-hardened coal, will help reduce humidity and moisture through its air-cleaning and natural moisture-absorbing properties. “Activated carbon removes odors by offering the odor-causing compound a more attractive place to reside than circulating in the air,” explains Dr. Hugh Mclaughlin, Ph.D. Just place pieces of binchotan in a bowl and let it do its work.
Display Plants
There are various plants which are not for decor purposes only. Some of them are considered all-natural humidifiers. Examples of these plant humidifiers include Devil’s Ivy, Chinese Evergreen, and Bamboo Palm. Displaying these plants all over the house will help get rid of organic compounds which spread harmful diseases.
Avoid Lead Paint
Lead paint is still present in houses which were built before the 1980s. The chipping, chalking, or peeling of the said lead-based paint are known to increase the risk of health troubles due to lead exposure. Inhaling lead, especially by children, results in behavioral problems, lower IQ, and mental developmental delay. Taking proper steps will help reduce risk brought about by the lead exposure. Listed below are some guidelines:

- Call a professional when removing lead paint
- Do not burn off or sand paint which may contain lead
- Make sure to expose kids to areas which are dust-free as possible
- Change clothes before entering the house if your work involves exposing yourself to lead
It is a surprise how many harmful contaminants are trapped inside our own homes. Since most individuals spend most of their time inside their houses, it is important to take note of the natural alternatives stated above. This way, it would be easier to purify the air at home. After all, clean air should be everyone’s priority.