Start the New Years with Fresh Air?

12/31/2020 (Permalink)

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

From our ohana to yours here at SERVPRO of East Honolulu 

We hope that 2021 is a prosperous and healthy year for our community and customers. 

As many of you know, here in the Hawaiian isles it is a mixing pot of cultures. One of the most celebrated traditions is osoji or "big cleanup" a tradition brought by Japanese plantation farmers. 

Here at SERVPRO of East Honolulu we celebrate this, and to start your new years we thought we could talk about quality air. 

Clean air in your home is vital to your health 

We offer "air scrubbing" services that literally filters your air of particles, we do this in most jobs for: 

- cleaning up soot 

- mold remediation or cleaning 

- water damage 

- odor removal 

But, 

most homes don't have serious air quality issues rather, they just need a good clean to facilitate a healthier life! 

So when trying to assess your air quality, here are some things to keep in mind: 

1. Chemicals (Cleaning products, Art supplies, Kerosene...etc)
   
   1. How do you store your chemicals? Are they in the open? Do you consistently use bleach? 
2. Dust and other Allergens 
   1. Are there visible areas of dust? How frequently do you clean your soft surfaces? 
3. CO2 levels 
   1. Do you have a CO2 gas protector? Is your gas odorless? 
4. Humidity 
   1. Are there any water leaks or moisture traps in your house? Are you aware of your areas prone to water leaks or moisture traps 
5. Temperature 
   1. Does the temperature in your home affect the chemicals residing in your home?  

Some side effects of poor air quality include: 

- Hay Fever 

- Fatigue 

- Allergy-like Symptoms 

- Irritability 

- Headaches 

- Decrease/Increase of Body Sensations 

- Congestion 

- Hyperventilation/Shortness of Breath 

Your air quality in the home can cause adverse health effects 

Here are some tips/tricks to improve your air quality: 

- Ventilation!  

     It may sound cliche, or even like a no-brainer but, a good ventilation system is vital to the health of your air. Ventilating allows particles to come and go, stagnant air can harbor more toxins and even create a hospitable zone for mildew and mold. This also rejuvenates your air, we recommend for our city customers to open the windows or ventilate at odd times. Keeping your windows open during traffic or rush hour can be counter productive, try early in the morning or late night for the best results.  

- Cleaning your AC frequently 
     Your AC already has a filter that cleans air impurities and pollutants; cleaning it regularly will stop a build up of these particles and release of them. Make sure you read how to clean your AC properly as some methods can damage the air filter. 

- Keeping your Sheets and Clothes Clean  

     Soft goods are really good at holding in air toxins and other harmful particles. Regularly cleaning your sheets stops dust mites from building up and also helps with your skin health; especially for those who acne prone skin. If you have pets washing sheets and clothes frequently also helps stop hair build-up. Keeping clothes off the floor help prevent easy access for particles as well. 

- Beeswax Candles 

     Beeswax candles actually attract pollutants to it. When burned they actually release negatively-charged particles called electrons. These attract dust and impurities which are positively charged. They also smell good :) 

- Household Plants 

Plants are one of the easiest ways to maintain a healthy atmosphere in your home. Most of these plants are easy to take care and just need some sun light and water to thrive! 

     Here are some great indoor plants: 

          - Bamboo Palm 

          - English Ivy 

          - Gerbera Daisy 

          - Janet Craig Dracaena 

          - Red Edged Dracaena 

          - Corn Plant 

These are simple tricks, but if you believe your air quality is really bad DO NOT hesitate to call us 

(808) 395- 9545 

let us know if these tips helped! 

Instagram handle: @ SERVPRO_e_honolulu