We might not see it, but the air we breathe, both in our homes and in our daily environments, can seriously affect our health. It’s nearly impossible to breathe completely clean air all the time, but there are steps you can take to improve the quality of the air inside your home.

First, get some houseplants. Houseplants are a lovely addition to any home, but did you know there are certain varieties of plants that work overtime to clean and purify the air you’re breathing? Air filtering plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen just like all other plants, but they also help to eliminate chemicals that can find their way into your home. These chemicals, such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene, have the potential to damage our lungs or make us sick when we are overexposed to them.

Some of the best air-cleaning plants are English Ivy, peace lilies, red-edged dracaena, Gerbera daisy and Chrysanthemums. Just be careful when bringing plants around pets or infants because they can be toxic.

Another way to keep the air in your home clean is by choosing paint and other building materials that are low in volatile organic compounds or VOC. Long-term exposure to many types of VOCs are dangerous to our health, but there are other options. Low or no-VOC paint is now available as well as low VOC flooring options such as bamboo or cork.

VOC and other chemicals might not be great for us, but there are other substances that can lead to death. The most dangerous are carbon monoxide, secondhand smoke and radon gas. Ways to combat these are by installing a carbon monoxide detector and not allowing anyone to smoke inside your home or vehicle. There are also easy and inexpensive ways to test for Radon, an odorless, invisible gas that occurs naturally in soil and rock.

One final way we can protect our lungs and breathe a bit easier is by taking steps to cut down on the amount of allergens in our environments. From pet dander to dust mites, our carpets, bedding and upholstery can be a breeding ground for these microscopic pests. By using dust-mite resistant covers on your pillows and mattresses, you can cut down on the spread of dust mites. Washing linens in very hot water, as well as frequent cleaning of floors and furniture can help decrease the occurrence of pet or other allergens.

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