Environmental Awareness This fall

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

There are many ways to improve your indoor air quality, whether in a home or apartment.

If you have inadequate ventilation, it can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough

fresh outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and not carrying air pollutants out of the

home.

An effective way to improve your indoor air quality is to upgrade the air filter in your furnace or central

heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. Air purifiers or air sanitizers are designed to

filter the air in a single room or area. Central furnace or HVAC filters are designed to filter air

throughout the home. Air quality tends to be worse in the winter months because there is no flow

of fresh air from the outside, so allergens stay trapped inside.

It’s probably not possible to eliminate all the allergens inside the home, but you can reduce the number by making some simple changes. Here are some strategies.

Cleaning efforts should focus on strategies to reduce the accumulation of pet dander, mold, and dust

in your home. Focus on:

             -Vacuuming the carpets and area rugs at least once or twice a week with a vacuum cleaner

              equipped with a HEPA filter. Having hard-surface flooring instead of wall-to-wall carpeting

             may cut down on allergens.

             -Cleaning bedding, drapes, and other items that tend to attract allergens especially if you

              have pets. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends washing

              in water that is at least 130 degrees. Consider using dust mite-proof covers on pillows,

              mattresses and box springs.

             -Clear any clutter because it traps and holds dust that can trigger a reaction.

Some plants are considered to improve indoor air quality because they release oxygen, but they are still

allergy triggers for many. Sometimes they can trigger more problems than they help!

Be certain to change the filters regularly because this can ensure that dust and other airborne

irritants do not recirculate throughout the home. Also consider having the ducts cleaned to

remove that trapped dust.

Invest in an air purifier if you are allergic to indoor allergens and can’t control the source of the

problem for example, pets. You may not be able to remove these allergens completely, but you

can cut down on them, which may help the problem.

Consider a dehumidifier for damp areas, such as basements, to help negate the growth of mold. Try to

ventilate bathrooms, another source of mold, and scrub off any visible mold that collects in the shower,

on fixtures, or walls.

Let the fresh air in. Even in the cold months, open windows to allow fresh air into the house and consider using fans in the kitchen to remove cooking fumes.