National Healthy Lung Month is here, which means it’s time to bring awareness to the well-being of our lungs.
Breathing is something that most people take for granted because it’s not a conscious act. People don’t pay attention to the fact that they breathe as they work, play and sleep. But humans breathe nearly 25,000 times a day, which means that we inhale more than 10,000 liters of air every 24 hours.
We’re not just inhaling oxygen and nitrogen, though. There are small amounts of other gases, floating bacteria, and viruses that we breathe in daily. Not to mention tobacco smoke, car exhaust, and countless other pollutants from the atmosphere.
This might sound scary, but there are simple ways you can avoid lung damaging agents:
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to reduce lead, chemical build-up, and allergens such as pet dander in the home. Follow this step by mopping with a microfiber mop to soak up any leftover particles.
- Fill the house with plants. Indoor plants purify the air, removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylene. Spider plants and aloe vera plants are good indoor choices.
- Beware of scented cleaning products, laundry detergents, and air fresheners, all of which can damage the lungs. Choose fragrance-free products whenever possible.
- Make sure your home has a radon detector. Radon—a colorless, odorless gas—is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
Follow these tips and maximize your lung health today!