Apr 05

Living in AC environ not so healthy

Posted by : naturegnome in Alternative Healthcare, General Health Add comments

Ok, we are approaching that time of the year again when we love to shut ourselves up in AC environs, at office, on the road and at home. And with the ads from AC companies being bombarded at us, it is easy to assume that when we confine ourselves to an AC room, we are safe in a pollution free environment. But is that really so?

A report by NASA confirms the opposite and advises on how the problem of indoor air pollutants can be tackled. The main cause of indoor air pollution is the increasing use of resins and solvents being used in modern home and office materials. Because of increased indoor air pollution, health problems like irritation of eyes, throat and lungs, and various allergies can arise.

And as my grandmother would say, staying in AC environs all day long prevents our body from sweating, a natural mechanism of flushing out toxins. Besides, lack of natural light and fresh air makes me feel tired and stressed. So I am one of those who prefer to open a window when I can and just do with a fan. And depend more on summer coolers (read drinks) to keep myself cool. And now that I chanced upon this report, I am just going to do that more often. But there are times when one can’t afford this ‘luxury’. What does one do then?

NASA’s research has found that indoor plants can absorb these harmful pollutants. 15 indoor plants have been recommended to help purify indoor air. Take a look at the list of these indoor plants here. I am going to try and find the common names of these plants and find out which of these are locally available. Their beneficial effect on cleaning indoor air notwithstanding, I just love the sight of plants in my room. It just feels to be good to be surrounded by plants, something green and alive to remind us even in our modern rooms, that we are a part of nature.

By the way, plants are also known to absorb CO2 and release O2 in the air, help decrease sound levels and increase humidity. So much more reason to do up our homes and offices with plants!