It's estimated that the average person breathes in approximately 11,000 litres, or 2,900-plus gallons of air every single day. That's why it's so important to protect our environment and do everything we can as global citizens to keep both Mother Nature and our lungs as clean as possible. Growing up as kids, we've all been drilled with the same message through school to reduce, reuse and recycle and to "litter not", but the fact is that as we grow older and as technology continues to make further advancements, we gain in our intelligence and knowledge and continue to find ways to improve the health of both our minds and bodies.
It's within that spirit of constantly evolving as both global citizens and healthy human beings that I leave you with five things you can do to keep the air around you fresh.
Get An Air Purifier
It's estimated that the average person will spend over 92,000 hours working should they enter the workforce in their teen years and work well into their 60s. That's a lot of time spent potentially spent indoors for those that spend their working life in an office. If you do indeed work inside, one of the best things you can do is invest in a good air purifier, or ask your employer to do so. An industry leading enterprise level supplier like Camfil USA and its City M purifier would be a simple option to consider. The company has been around for 50 years and most large-scale employers wouldn't have a problem investing in a good quality purifier.
Walk, Run, Bike & Commute More, Drive Less
According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, motor vehicles often make up the largest component of smog in ground level ozone. That smog can cause problems with coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and even permanent lung damage. Walking and cycling more are two clearly more environmentally friendly methods of getting around, not to mention both represent a great excuse for getting physically active and staying in shape. Simply put, walk, run, bike or commute rather than driving. If we all did that, the air around us would be much cleaner.
Don't Smoke, Or Expose Yourself To Second Hand Smoke
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, 70 of which cause cancer. Add to that the fact an estimated 2.5 million non-smokers have died from second-hand smoke related illnesses since 1964 and it's easy to see why making the decision not to smoke or be around the second hand variety is a good idea. Keeping the air clean both in your home and at work is good for your health, and smoking is simply a bad habit, not a necessity.
Get Your Home's Ventilation System Cleaned Regularly
While some home owners out there may believe that having your home or office's ventilation system cleaned regularly isn't a big deal, the Environmental Protection Agency does recommend having your ducts cleaned if:
•You suspect mold exists in your ducts
•You see a vermin infestation in your home
•You notice insects entering or exiting ductwork
•Black debris or dust is blowing out of your ventilation system or present around it
Wear A Face Mask When Appropriate
I first remember seeing facemasks worn by the general public back when the SARS virus broke out years ago, and years later when swine flu was becoming a global pandemic, governments ordered masks in the millions to try and protect the health of the general public. Masks do work if replaced regularly, but you don't have to wait for a pandemic to benefit from them. Wearing one while painting or renovating your home, or doing anything that might have you breathing in dust or harmful chemicals can help protect your respiratory system.