Does Your Home Have Indoor Pollution?
Indoor air pollution may the culprit if your family is suffering from allergies, asthma, and headaches.
Indoor air pollution can be caused by:
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Dust
- Mold
- Pet Hair/Dander
- Residue from dust mites and roaches
These pollutants and allergens are found throughout the home in places like mattresses, furniture, carpets, cleaning products, paints, and adhesives, just to name a few. Many homes are designed to save energy, but reduce ventilation. Therefore, once ventilation goes down, indoor air pollution can go up.
Don’t forget that carpeting is your friend. It can help filter and hold allergens for removal by proper cleaning, instead of letting them become airborne.
What Can You Do?
Improving the IAQ of your home can start by following these eight guidelines.
- Regularly clean plush furnishings (upholstered chairs, sofas, carpets, and bedding). This will cut dust mite allergens that can cause health problems when they become airborne.
- Control moisture levels with a dehumidifier, air conditioner, or heat pump. Dust mites require over 50% relative humidity.
- Keep interior surfaces dry. Fix leaks promptly. Mold thrives on surfaces that are moist.
- Open windows to increase air flow when possible. If you are sensitive to outside dust, pollen or molds, consider using an air-to-air heat exchanger with an air cleaner on your home heating and cooling system.
- Dust furnishings with treated cloths.
- Change furnace air filters often. Use fine filters that trap microscopic dust.
- Vacuum regularly. Use an upright, revolving brush vacuum. Concentrate near often-used furniture. Make sure the bag is clean and in good condition to keep airborne pollutants to a minimum. Note: There are vacuums available with special filters.
- Have your carpet cleaned regularly with HOST.