Practical ways to purify indoor air

While many are concerned about the quality of air outdoors, the indoor air quality must never be overlooked. Pulmonary care physician Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., shares practical ways to purify the air in enclosed spaces.

Houseplants: Common houseplants bring many benefits to a person's mental and physical well-being. These plants also help purify indoor airs and reduce the fumes released by everyday household items. Spider plants, snake plants, bamboo, peace lily, and ponytail palm are some examples of houseplants that will not brighten up a space but will also clear the air.

Essential oils: Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., shares that essential oils are becoming more popular during this time because of their effects on a person's health. Aside from improving a person's physical condition, essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, rosemary, and clove can prevent the spread of potentially harmful particles in the home. While they make the home smell nice, they are also purifying the air by getting rid of the pollutants.

Activated charcoal: As a natural purifier, activated charcoal has toxin-absorbing properties. It is commonly used as an ingredient in water filters, teeth whitening, deodorant, and skin products. Others specifically prefer bamboo activated charcoal for their spaces. Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., shares that this black and odorless purifier can be put in many corners of the home to prevent harmful elements from affecting the air quality.

Open windows: Simply opening the windows prevents the spread of harmful particles inside the home. Opening the windows during the day for at least 10 minutes can already lessen the accumulated dust, mites, and other potential allergy triggers inside a room.

Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., is a board-certified pulmonary disease and critical care physician with a private practice in Bergen County, New Jersey. For more reads on health and medicine, visit this page.