How to Persuade Family Members to Improve Air Quality at Home

How to persuade others to change?

Hello Dr.
Chen: My brother, sister-in-law, and nephew (an infant) live on the first floor.
They only open a small window, and sometimes they don’t open it at all (that floor has a refrigerator, television, air conditioning, heating, and an electric water heater), which causes poor air circulation.
When I visit that floor, it feels stuffy.
I have advised my brother to open the window, but he doesn’t listen.
My brother has seen a doctor before and I noticed that the medication he brought back seems to be fluoxetine.
How can I persuade my brother to open the window?

tom, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/01/03

Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry

Hello Tom,
Today I happened to hear a news report about a family who, due to the cold weather, tightly closed their doors and windows.
Suddenly, everyone started feeling dizzy, and some even fainted and had to be taken to the hospital.
Blood tests ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, but they suspected high levels of carbon dioxide (because the family was breathing in a confined space together).

You might want to share this news with him as a reference or a cautionary tale.
One of the troubling aspects of depression is that the individual often does not recognize their own illness.
Your brother, since he has seen a psychiatrist, should have received medical advice and treatment, but he hasn’t taken any medication and instead isolates himself even more, which is quite concerning.

It might be helpful to identify the people or things that matter most to him, such as the health of family members or the economic pressures that require a healthy body, thus necessitating a good environment.
You could connect various issues back to the idea of "poor ventilation in his room" and suggest that he open a window.
This could lead to an improvement in his mental and physical well-being, gradually encouraging him to "take his medication on time," among other things.

Encouraging someone to change is genuinely challenging.
Unless he wants to change himself, others can only do their best to support him.
Thank you for your message!

Reply Date: 2009/01/03

More Info

Improving air quality at home is essential for the health and well-being of all family members, especially for young children and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. In your case, it seems that your brother and his family are not fully aware of the potential health risks associated with poor indoor air quality, which can be exacerbated by inadequate ventilation. Here are some strategies to persuade them to take action:

1. Educate About Health Risks
Start by sharing information about the importance of good air quality. Explain that indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air, especially in closed environments. Pollutants such as dust mites, mold, pet dander, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household products can accumulate in poorly ventilated spaces. For children, exposure to these pollutants can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and even developmental problems. You might want to mention that studies have shown a correlation between poor indoor air quality and increased rates of asthma and other respiratory diseases in children.

2. Highlight the Benefits of Fresh Air
Emphasize the benefits of fresh air and natural ventilation. Explain that opening windows can help reduce indoor air pollutants, lower humidity levels, and improve overall air quality. Fresh air can also enhance mood and cognitive function, which is particularly important for children who are learning and developing. You could suggest that they try opening the windows for just a short period each day to see how it feels.

3. Use Personal Experiences
Share your own experiences or observations. If you have noticed a significant difference in air quality or your own well-being when you ventilate your home, share that with them. Personal anecdotes can be powerful motivators. You might say something like, "I always feel so much better when I let fresh air in, especially after cooking or cleaning."

4. Suggest Practical Solutions
If your brother is resistant to opening windows, suggest alternative solutions that can help improve air quality without requiring significant changes to their routine. For example:
- Air Purifiers: Recommend investing in a good air purifier with a HEPA filter, which can help remove airborne particles and allergens.

- Regular Cleaning: Encourage them to clean their home regularly to reduce dust and allergens. This includes vacuuming carpets and upholstery, washing bedding, and dusting surfaces.

- Houseplants: Suggest adding houseplants that can help purify the air, such as spider plants, peace lilies, or snake plants.

5. Address Concerns About Safety
If your brother is concerned about safety or security when opening windows, reassure him that there are ways to secure windows while still allowing for ventilation. For example, window locks can be used to keep windows partially open, or they can use window screens to prevent insects from entering.

6. Involve Healthcare Professionals
If your brother has a history of health issues, consider involving a healthcare professional. A doctor or pediatrician can provide authoritative advice on the importance of air quality for health, especially for children. This might carry more weight than family advice alone.

7. Be Patient and Understanding
Change takes time, and it’s important to be patient. If your brother is resistant, try to understand his perspective and concerns. Keep the conversation open and non-confrontational. Sometimes, it may take multiple discussions before someone is ready to make a change.

Conclusion
Improving indoor air quality is crucial for the health of your brother's family, especially for the young child. By educating them about the risks, highlighting the benefits of fresh air, and suggesting practical solutions, you can help them understand the importance of making changes. Remember to approach the conversation with empathy and patience, as change often requires time and understanding.

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