Air

Question 1

Some causes of poor indoor air quality?

Answer 1

Poor indoor air quality is a predisposing factor for respiratory infections, poisoning, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer and asthma.

Question 2

Actions for improving indoor air quality:

Answer 2

• Wipe off dust on a regular basis; use disinfectant wipes to reduce microbes and your exposure to them.
• Refrain from smoking indoors.
• Have the indoor air quality analyzed. Aim for these numbers for optimal air quality:
  
  • Carbon dioxide content (CO2): < 625 ppm
  • Humidity: 35–65 %
  • Temperature: 19 °C (66 °F)
  • VOC content: < 150 ppb
  • Particle count: < 12.5 μg/m3
• Ventilate your home and office frequently (for example 5 minutes every hour).
• Purchase an air purifier and an ionizer that spreads ions into the air, trapping negatively charged particles.
• Purchase an air humidifier.
• Consider purchasing an UV-LED air and/or water purifier.
• Consider purchasing a smart & active breathing green wall, such as Naava
  
  • Naturalizes indoor air
  • Reduces harmful chemicals
  • Optimizes humidity
• Purchase plants that purify indoor air. The following plants are recommended by NASA:
  
  • Gerbera dairy
  • Bamboo palm
  • Peace lily
  • Warneckei
  • Marginata
  • Mother-in-law’s tongue
  • Janet Craig
• Daylight exposure has been shown to lower the abundance of viable bacteria. This means that the sunlight inactivates microbes under daylight conditions. Whenever there is sunlight available, it is recommended to open up the curtains to let the sunlight in.

Question 3

Benefits of Patchouli Oil

Answer 3

An alcohol extract of Pogostemon cablin, or Korean mint (huo xiang in traditional Chinese medicine), has been shown to inhibit viral replication of various influenza viruses and reduced plaque formation by 75 % in vitro (“in a test tube”). Use it as an essential oil with antiviral and antibacterial properties on airborne pathogens for now.

Question 4

Beneficial Essential Oils that improve Air Quality

Answer 4

Eucalyptus, cinnamon, clove and rosemary oils have been shown to have antibacterial and antiviral properties on airborne pathogens.

Question 5

Benefits of Myrrh

Answer 5

• Myrrh is a resin or sap-like substance extracted from a number of small, thorny tree species of the genus Commiphora.
• It is used to treat hay fever and wounds.
• It possesses antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
• Myrrh essential oil has been shown to fight infections when combined with frankincense.