Here are some little known facts
about the air inside many homes:
- The Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) estimates that indoor air pollutant levels may be two to five times higher than the
pollutant levels outdoors.
- Indoor air pollution is one of the
top environmental concerns in the country.
- Americans spend up to 90 percent of
their time indoors.
- Indoor air pollutants such as tobacco
smoke, pollen, mold, dust and animal dander can create asthmatic and allergic reactions.
What contributes to poor indoor
air quality?
Today's homes are built energy efficient to "hold" air inside - avoiding heat
loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Of course, what's better for your energy
bills isn't necessarily better for indoor air quality. This type of construction doesn't
allow the home to breathe. Opening a window isn't always the answer - that's when an air
cleaner can help, especially if someone in your home suffers from allergies.
Sources of air pollution:
Tobacco smoke:
. Tobacco smoke is one of the smallest allergens, and for years the EPA has reported the
link between second-hand smoke and health effects.
Pollen:
Pollen comes from trees, flowers and grass, and even opening a door can allow millions of
these particles into a home. Some people are particularly sensitive to the presence of
certain pollen particles.
Animal dander:
People who are allergic to cats and dogs are actually allergic to the dander flakes their
pets shed. Dander can remain in a home long after the presence of the host animal.
Mold and mildew:
Typically found in the shower, kitchen or basement, these sneaky plant spores also grow
any place that's warm and humid. |
