Home Safe: Air Quality

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Why Air Quality?

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the air inside our homes and offices is up to five times more polluted than the air in even the smoggiest industrial areas. You may be able to improve your health by making small changes to improve the air quality in your home.

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Here are six tips to get you started now.

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#1 Ventilate - open doors and windows daily to get fresh air into the house. Ventilate in the early morning or late evening when there is less traffic and fewer toxins in the air. Use a small fan to push contaminants out of your home.

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#2 Service Your Air Conditioners - they help you stay at a healthy and comfortable temperature, but they also filter the air in your home. Clean or replace filters according to manufacturer recommendations. Use high quality filters.

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#3 Look for Damp Areas - check for leaks in your plumbing and other areas of your home, especially under sinks and under the roof. Areas that stay damp can lead to the growth of mold spores.

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#4 Clean Weekly - vacuum rugs, cushions and curtains weekly to limit contact with dust mites and pet hair. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Dust surfaces with a damp cloth. Wash your sheets and blankets weekly. Remove carpets and replace with tile, wood or other easy to clean surface.

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#5 Reduce the Toxins in Your Air - don’t smoke, burn candles or incense. Don’t use pesticides, air fresheners or other harsh chemicals in the home. Look for cleaning products made with naturally derived ingredients and no added scents. Don’t let pets in your bedroom and keep off sofas and chairs.

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#6 Use Your Equipment - check or install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Run an air purifier. Run your bathroom fan. When cooking, avoid breathing toxic fumes by turning on the oven and stove vent, or open a window and use a small fan to push air outside.

 

Additional Tips

  • Home Renovation - choose products such as paints and cleaning products with low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). Those compounds go into the air you breathe.

  • Make your own fragrance-free cleaning liquids with natural ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar.

  • Vacuum your mattresses every two weeks. Enclose them in allergen-proof mattress covers.

  • Cover your upholstered furniture with slipcovers or sheets which can be easily washed.

  • When using the A/C, run the fan in the "auto" mode. Continuous "on" operation of the fan will raise the humidity and may lead to mold growth.

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