According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are biological pollutants in U.S. homes which may be two to five times higher inside the home than outside. Common contaminants include dander, mildew, dust mites, and mold spores. Many of these critters are small enough to be inhaled.
So what are you breathing in your home? Is it safe? Consider this, over 10 million Americans suffer from allergy related asthma each year, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. In addition, the EPA says that symtoms of health problems caused by biological pollutants include shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, and digestive problems.
Fortunately, there are a few easy and relatively inexpensive steps to minimize contamination and help improve the quality of the air in your home.
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Dust window treatments, window trims, tops of refrigerators, and other out or reach areas with a wet cloth often. Also use a vacuum cleaner that utilizes a HEPA type filter so that while you vacuum, you are not blowing dust back into your air.
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Upgrade the air filters on your furnace. Many filters will protect the blower motor but it may not necessarily improve your air quality. Upgrade to a pleated filter that captures the smaller particles or use the highest efficiency air filter recommended by the manufacturer of your system. Also it is important to change your filters every few months.
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Consider an indoor air purifier. They may vary in performance, size, and cost. For a nominal fee, you can get a thorough review of most indoor air purifiers at consumerreports.org.
- Consider instituting a "no shoe inside the house" policy. Shoes may track various types of dust, dirt, and bacteria into your home- leaving the carpet or floors at a not-so-fresh condition. How many of the public restrooms that you enter are bacteria free? If this policy is too much trouble, consider professionally cleaning your carpets and floors every six months to a year to help keep these nasty critters out.
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