Each day we take about 23,040 breaths! Needless to say, the quality of the air we breathe is very important. Pollution of our air comes in many forms from vehicle and diesel exhaust to industrial and residential emissions.  Unfortunately, these substances contaminate the air and can lead to long-term damage to our lungs that eventually results in diseases like lung cancer.

Earth Day is a time to take action and make the air we breathe a little cleaner. Here are some simple tips to consider:

REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

Leaving your car at home or carpooling twice a week can cut greenhouse gas emissions (gases that trap heat in the atmosphere) by 1,600 pounds per year! Drive less by saving up errands and shopping trips for one outing per week. Consider using public transportation more frequently if that is an option.

TEST YOUR HOME FOR RADON

Radon is an invisible, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil and rocks. Exposure to radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in never smokers.

Test your home for radon today! Order a Radon Test Kit online for only $14 or contact your state radon program.

GROW OR BUY A PLANT

A study conducted by NASA showed that many household plants are instrumental in removing carbon monoxide from the air. Operating much like the human liver, common indoor plants actually filter harmful chemicals and dangerous compounds from the air. Using these natural air filters in your home or office can greatly reduce the amount of indoor air pollution and help eliminate recurring colds and respiratory problems. Here’s a list of the top air-filtering plants.

To learn more about protecting our earth and keeping our air clean, visit the Environmental Protection Agency website.