But how? Some solutions (dusting) are obvious, while some (losing the scented candles) aren’t. We’ll walk you through our ideas, and you can pick what works for you. Just make sure you change your air purifier filters as recommended—otherwise, you could create more problems for your lungs, not fewer. Smoke can get embedded in the wallpaper and carpets, aggravating your respiratory system long after you’ve stubbed out the cigarette. It can also get in your clothes—so even if you smoke outdoors, we suggest changing your outfit immediately. We also suggest refraining from vaping or smoking marijuana indoors. You might even want to reconsider lighting that wood-burning stove. The more smoke-related activities you move outside, the better for indoor air quality. Just check the air quality where you are so that you aren’t worsening your indoor situation. If you see mold developing, remove it immediately or hire someone else to remove it for you. If you aren’t sure that your home is lead- and asbestos-free, we recommend investing in some tests. You can contact professionals to take care of it, or you can try home tests like this one. For instance, if you boil enough straight vinegar, you’re making something called acetic acid that you don’t want to breathe or even touch.⁵ Or, if you let a nonstick pan cook empty or at a too-high temperature, it can start releasing toxic fumes.⁶ Neither of these things will do any favors for your home’s air quality. Similarly, don’t mix cleaning products—you might end up with some dangerous concoctions.⁷ Try going without for a while to see if it reduces indoor air pollution and helps your lungs. If you see a significant improvement, you might want to make this a permanent change. But if you’re dead set on adding a furry friend to your household, consider getting an outdoor- or garage-only pet. That way, you can enjoy some of the benefits of pet parenting without taking respiratory risks.
