Contributed by Jennifer Andrews, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

Although you may think your house, residence or work office is clean and safe, it may actually contain pollutants that are harmful to your health.

Toxic chemicals are often present in the cleaners you use to clean your house, furniture and walls; smoke; dust, mold and even existing radon. Decrease harmful health risks by following these top ten ways to improve indoor air quality today.

10. Natural Cleansers

Use natural cleaning products on your furniture, walls, floors and carpeting versus other commercial cleansers that may contain harsh chemicals and toxins.

9. Natural furnishings

In addition to natural cleansers, the surfaces you clean should also be non-toxic including furniture, organic mattresses, walls and flooring.

8. Laundry

Regularly launder your bed-sheets, blankets and pillow-cases to decrease the risk of dust mites.

7. Air filtering system

Research a whole house air filtering system that can help to improve your indoor air quality. Ensure you change filters regularly to maintain air purification effects.

6. No smoking

Avoid smoking in your house as this only adds to a toxic air environment.

5. Mold

Have a professional into your house to determine that there is no mold present or that there is a risk of mold development. If you do have mold, don’t scrub it on your own. Mold must be removed by a state licensed and certified professional to avoid spreading spores throughout your home.

4. Plants

Adorn your house with indoor plants such as a fern or aloe vera. Plants aid in purifying the air by absorbing harmful chemicals and toxins.

3. Fresh air

Open your windows and doors on a regular basis to let in fresh air and decrease build-up of toxic chemicals. Consider air-conditioning if you suffer from allergies.

2. Low humidity

Keep the humidity levels of your home low, or around 30 to 50 percent to improve indoor air quality. Mold and dust mites seek out moist environments created with high humidity.

1. Door mat

A large door mat at your front door can help catch dirt and pollutants that are brought in from outdoors. Have family and visitors leave their shoes at the dirt to avoid tracking chemicals all over your floors.