The Environmental Protection Agency, suggests that Indoor Air Quality is up to 5 times more polluted than the air outdoors, and in some cases, this figure is considerably higher. As the majority of people spend up to 90% of their time indoors, you might like to stop and wonder what impact this is having on your health and well-being.

If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms, and have not been able to determine the cause, it may be worth looking at your Indoor Air Quality.

• Flu like symptoms
• Headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Lethargy
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Sinus problems
• Eye irritations
• Chronic respiratory problems, Asthma
• Eczema and skin irritations
• Feeling ‘under the weather’

There are a number of factors that can compromise your Indoor Air Quality. They may include:

• Inadequate ventilation
• Insufficiently maintained heating/cooling systems
• Chemical substances. For example, household cleaning solutions
• Synthetic building materials, finishes and paints (releasing toxic compounds)
• Animal dander
• Dust and dust mites
• Pollen
• Smoking

Rest assured there are measures that you can take to improve your Indoor Air Quality.

1. Improve Ventilation. Opening your windows and switching ceiling fans on can greatly improve the quality of the air indoors. Adequate ventilation is particularly important in wet areas, such as bathrooms.

2. Service Heating/Cooling Systems Regularly. The manufacturer’s instructions will guide you in caring for, and maintaining your system. Also, make sure that you have your system serviced regularly. Ensure that all systems, as well as fire places are sufficiently flued.

3. Eliminate Chemical Substances. There are plenty of environmentally friendly, green cleaning products available on the market. Alternatively, go back to the basics of your grandparents’ generation for keeping the house clean. You will be amazed at what you can do with some bicarbonate of soda and vinegar! That way, you not only save money, you avoid polluting the environment, and you can protect you and your family from the negative effects of toxic chemicals in your home.

4. Natural Building Materials. Avoiding synthetic and chemically treated products will help to reduce the risk of compromising your Indoor Air Quality. For example, use low V.O.C paints on walls. ‘Natural’ is a word that is sometimes overly abused, so the key here, is to do your research. Many companies include the word ‘natural’ into their marketing, although it does not necessarily mean that the product is completely natural.

5. Clean Your Home Regularly. This can go a long way towards reducing the problems associated with poor Indoor Air Quality, caused by dust, dust mites, animal dander, pollen and mold, etc. It may be worth considering the benefits of investing in a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner.

6. Air Purifiers. Air Purification Systems assist in removing contaminants from the air. Other ways to purify the air in your home include:

• House plants such as Areca Palms and Peace Lilies assist in removing harmful toxins from the air.
• Natural beeswax candles clean the air naturally and emit healthy ions (similar to the air you breathe by the ocean, or on a mountain).
• Himalayan Salt lamps. As the salt is heated, it produces healthy ions.

7. Smoke Detectors. Install combination smoke alarms/carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that can be produced by faulty household appliances such as gas heaters.

8. Avoid Smoking In The Home.

Taking the above steps can go a long way towards improving your Indoor Air Quality.

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If your ducts are not cleaned regularly, you may be increasing your risk of suffering from the many symptoms and illnesses associated with indoor air pollution. Many types of pollutants and small particles can collect within the ducts that include mold, fungus, dust, bacteria and viruses as well as other outdoor pollutants, such as exhaust fumes, pollen and animal hair. The more these particles collect within the ducts, the higher chance you have of developing illnesses and symptoms associated with poor indoor air quality.

If you have allergies, you are even more susceptible to the high concentration of contaminants that may be circulating within your home. Poor indoor air quality can cause a variety of symptoms that include nausea, headaches, respiratory illness, congestion, eye and nose irritation, runny nose, trouble concentrating, malaise (generally not feeling well) and lethargy. It also increases the risk of contracting illnesses such as colds, flu and fungal or other infections. Indoor air pollution greatly contributes to the amount of severity of symptoms suffered by those with allergies and can even contribute to the development of new allergies.

Many times we do not think about the quality of air we air we breathe while inside our homes. However, the American Lung Association estimates that we spend anywhere from 60-90% of our time indoors. Usually, the pollutants and fine particles found within the air we breathe indoors are at substantially higher levels of concentration compared to the air outdoors. This makes those with allergies at especially high risk for the health problems associated with poor indoor air quality that may in part be attributed to the debris collected within our ducts.

Dust buildup is the most common cause of asthma and is also the biggest allergen within the home. The more dust buildup there is, the more dust mites there will be, which are true causes of dust allergies. The large quantities of dust mites that are found with collections of dust within your ducts and airborne dust particles are a major contributor to the allergy symptoms experienced by the vast majority people. It is hard to rid your house of dust and avoid the health risks of the allergic reactions attributed to dust mites if there is a large amount of dust buildup within your ducts. This dust is then circulated in high concentrations within your home and is breathed in causing a much higher risk of allergy symptoms and allergic reactions within the body.

Regular duct cleaning is essential for clean indoor air quality and the reduction of the potential health hazards associated with indoor air pollution. It is even more essential for those that suffer from allergies to avoid the severe symptoms associated with them. Dust is the most common allergy, but many other allergens can be found in high concentrations within the ducts and in the indoor air you breathe including pollen, animal hair and fungus. It is important that you clean your ducts regularly. If you do, you will find this will greatly reduce and even relieve the many allergy symptoms you are experiencing and will also reduce your chance for other indoor air pollution health risks. The most important component of your duct cleaning system is the compressor.

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Arlington Heights IL – infoZine – Newswise – Damp environments, poorly maintained heating and air-conditioning systems and carpeting may contribute to poor indoor air quality, according to experts at the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in Miami Beach, Fla.

Damp Buildings

“If there was just one thing I could do to fix buildings, it would be to change the relative humidity,” said Doug Garrett, CEM, CDSM, building scientist and president of Building Performance and Comfort, Leander, Texas. “Moisture leads to conditions that are conducive to dust mites and mold, as well as bacteria, yeast and other living organisms.”

Garrett pointed to dust mites and mold as particularly worrisome.

A damp building with high humidity may lead to increased levels of dust mites and mold, leading to increased allergic respiratory symptoms, as well as the worsening of asthma. And even if someone is not allergic, molds may produce mycotoxins and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) that smell bad and may cause respiratory irritation, he said.

Dust mites are microscopic arachnids that thrive in humidity. They cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma symptoms. Nearly half of all young people with asthma are allergic to dust mites; about 10 percent of the population is allergic to dust mites.

Mold requires moisture to grow. Indoor environments house many sources of moisture including condensation and leaky pipes.

Indoor Breathing Environment

Although there are many culprits that negatively affect indoor air quality, poorly maintained air-conditioning and carpeting are among the most problematic.

“A home’s heating and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, if poorly maintained, can become a major source of microbial allergens,” said Garrett.

According to Garrett, up to 30 percent of the air inside a home can come from the attic, parking garage or basement. One study supported by the EPA found that 75 percent of homes had carbon monoxide from the garage inside of the home.

Like air conditioning systems, carpeting often harbors allergens, including dust mites and molds said Jeffrey May, M.A., principal scientist of May Indoor Air Investigations LLC, Tyngsborough, Mass. Organisms and particles that become airborne eventually settle in carpeting. In damp environments, carpeting provides an ideal environment for mold growth.

“Many schools shampoo their carpeting right before school starts at the end of summer when it’s humid outside,” said May. “There couldn’t be a worse time.”

Making a Healthier Indoor Environment

To improve indoor air quality, Garrett lists several construction practices that, when done right, can make a significant difference. These include installing tight ductwork, achieving airtight construction, using a correctly sized HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system and making sure there is fresh air ventilation. Proper ventilation involves introducing air from a known source and then filtering, dehumidifying and pre-cooling or heating it.

“You can’t build houses too airtight,” said Garrett. “But you can under ventilate them.”

Once built, maintenance becomes key. May offers the following advice for home owners on making their indoor environments healthier:

• Keep the air conditioner clean. Use a filter with an American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (AHRAE) Standard MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) of at least 8.
• Do not have carpeting in any buildings or homes where humidity can’t be controlled. If you cannot replace carpet, vacuum thoroughly, carefully and methodically so you don’t stir dust into the air. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter or cyclonic vacuum.
• Prevent mold by dehumidifying the basement. In unfinished basements, humidity should be kept lower than 50 percent. Do research before buying a dehumidifier. “There are scams out there” said May. “And ‘exhaust only’ systems are not effective.”

Source: American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI Indoor Breathing EnvironmentAlthough there are many culprits that negatively affect indoor air quality, poorly maintained air-conditioning and carpeting are among the most problematic.

“A home’s heating and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, if poorly maintained, can become a major source of microbial allergens,” said Garrett.

According to Garrett, up to 30 percent of the air inside a home can come from the attic, parking garage or basement. One study supported by the EPA found that 75 percent of homes had carbon monoxide from the garage inside of the home.

Like air conditioning systems, carpeting often harbors allergens, including dust mites and molds said Jeffrey May, M.A., principal scientist of May Indoor Air Investigations LLC, Tyngsborough, Mass. Organisms and particles that become airborne eventually settle in carpeting. In damp environments, carpeting provides an ideal environment for mold growth.

“Many schools shampoo their carpeting right before school starts at the end of summer when it’s humid outside,” said May. “There couldn’t be a worse time.”

Making a Healthier Indoor Environment

To improve indoor air quality, Garrett lists several construction practices that, when done right, can make a significant difference. These include installing tight ductwork, achieving airtight construction, using a correctly sized HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system and making sure there is fresh air ventilation. Proper ventilation involves introducing air from a known source and then filtering, dehumidifying and pre-cooling or heating it.

“You can’t build houses too airtight,” said Garrett. “But you can under ventilate them.”

Once built, maintenance becomes key. May offers the following advice for home owners on making their indoor environments healthier:

• Keep the air conditioner clean. Use a filter with an American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (AHRAE) Standard MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) of at least 8.
• Do not have carpeting in any buildings or homes where humidity can’t be controlled. If you cannot replace carpet, vacuum thoroughly, carefully and methodically so you don’t stir dust into the air. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter or cyclonic vacuum.
• Prevent mold by dehumidifying the basement. In unfinished basements, humidity should be kept lower than 50 percent. Do research before buying a dehumidifier. “There are scams out there” said May. “And ‘exhaust only’ systems are not effective.”

Source: American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI)

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Although there is no strong evidence that reducing dust and dust mites in your home will reduce symptoms of asthma or allergic reactions, the following steps may be helpful.

Air

• Do not use window or attic fans, which bring air containing pollen, mold spores, and other allergens into your home.
• Use air conditioning so you do not have to open windows. This will help reduce the amount of pollen and mold spores that enter your home.
• Use an air cleaner with a special high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. This can help remove some allergens (such as pollen or animal dander) and tobacco smoke from the air in your home.

Furniture, carpets, drapes, and bedding

• Avoid carpet, upholstered furniture, and heavy drapes that collect dust. Avoid furniture covered with fabrics. Use pillow and mattress covers made from a tight-weave fabric that keeps out dust and mites.
• Use furniture made of wood, plastic, leather, or vinyl (including vinyl mattress covers) that you can wipe clean. Note: Vinyl mattress covers can be uncomfortable to sleep on.
• Remove rugs and wall-to-wall carpeting. Talk with your family about this and about how this will affect family life. If you cannot or do not want to remove carpeting throughout the home, consider removing it only in the bedroom.
• Use smaller rugs (throw rugs, area rugs) that you can wash.
• Replace drapes and blinds with roll-down shades or washable curtains.
• Remove “dust collectors” from bedrooms, such as stuffed toys, wall hangings, books, knickknacks, and artificial flowers.
• Avoid wool blankets and down quilts.

Cleaning

• Damp-mop hard floors (tile or hardwood, for example) once a day.
• Dust and vacuum once or twice a week to remove the buildup of allergens. Use a dry cloth to wipe hard surfaces such as countertops, tables, and other furniture.
• Vacuum the carpets and cloth-covered furniture to get rid of as much dust as you can.
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter or a special double-thickness bag, which collects dust-mite particles and pollen. Standard paper bag filters may allow the stirred-up allergens to escape back into the room.
• Dusting and vacuuming stir up dust, making the air worse until the dust settles. Wear a mask if you do the cleaning yourself. If possible, try to have someone without allergies do the cleaning.
• Consider wet-vacuum cleaning when possible. This can help remove allergens from carpeting because it actually washes the carpet. Also, consider steam cleaning carpets when possible. In addition to cleaning the carpet, the heat of the steam kills dust mites.

Controlling dust mites

Dust mites are visible only through a microscope. People are allergic to dust mites’ droppings, not the dust mites themselves. Allergy to dust mites is a year-round problem.

• Keep the house aired out and dry. Dust mites do well where humidity is greater than 50% but do not do well in dry conditions. Try to keep the moisture level (humidity) below 50%. This may be difficult in some seasons and some climates. Plants and fish tanks contribute to humidity, so keep these out of the bedroom.
• Dry vacuuming doesn’t pick up dust mites. Consider steam cleaning carpets when possible. In addition to cleaning the carpet, the heat of the steam kills dust mites.
• You can buy chemicals (ascaricides) that kill dust mites to use on carpeting and furniture. However, many experts do not consider them effective enough to be worth the trouble and expense of using them.
• Wash bedding, including pillowcases and mattress covers, in hot water [130 ° F (54.4 ° C)] every 2 weeks. You can also dry bedding at high temperatures.
• You can limit your contact with dust mites by using allergen-proof covers on your mattress, box spring, and pillows, and washing them regularly. This works well as part of an overall plan to reduce allergens in your home. It is not enough to use mattress and pillow covers without some of the other methods mentioned above.

Because adults spend one-third of their time and children spend half of their time in their bedrooms, it is important that you take steps to prevent allergens in this room.

Source: Health.com

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Whatever the causes of your symptoms or suffering may be, there are ways to reduce allergens in your home. Just a few simple steps can improve the symptoms of respiratory problems like the ones above.

Dust Mites

You cannot escape dust no matter how clean your home is, and dust mites are a large cause of respiratory problems. These tiny insects live in households in places such as furniture, curtains, mattresses, pillows and carpets. They multiply in warm, humid environments. Dust mites live off dander or dead skin cells. They do not spread disease, but can cause allergic reactions when breathed in. According to many scientific studies, dust mites are the culprit in more than half of asthma cases in young people.

So how do you get rid of dust mites? First of all, you need to dust often. You need to make sure your bedding is clean by washing weekly in hot water. Also, make sure your draperies are cleaned once a month. Either store or get rid of toys no longer being used, and make sure they’re wrapped in plastic if you keep them. Any stuffed animals you keep should be washed weekly, and can be put in the freezer overnight for a quick kill if you think they have dust mites on them.

An important and efficient way to fight dust mites is to vacuum your house once a week using a HEPA filter. Doing this along with using allergen sprays as well as wrapping your mattresses and pillows in a vinyl covering will make a huge difference in your quality of life.

Mold

Mold is a particularly nasty enemy in the fight against allergens because you can have it and not know it. It also loves moist environments where it thrives, and spreads itself by planting airborne spores in house dust. These spores are inhaled, and in susceptible people, cause allergy symptoms.

You can reduce your risk for mold growth in your home by making sure it is ventilated adequately. You also need to vent your kitchen and bathroom properly. If you have a high humidity level, use a dehumidifier to bring it down. Keep areas prone to mold clean by using a water/bleach solution. If you suspect you have mold, call in a professional to make sure, as it has the capacity for making you and your family very ill.

Ultimately, you can use a HEPA air purifier to make sure mold spores are eliminated from your air and keep your allergy symptoms to a minimum.

Pet Dander

Do you love animals but don’t think you can have a pet? This is not necessarily so and is a common misconception among allergy sufferers. Allergies to pets are caused by contact with pet dander, not pet hair or skin. Pet dander is comprised of dead skin shed from your cat or dog that become airborne. If you have an allergic reaction to this dander, you don’t have to start finding a home for your animal yet. Try getting the dander out of the air first.

Keeping your cat or dog off the furniture or out of your bed can help a lot. Making sure you keep your home vacuumed on a frequent basis will help keep the dander out of the air as well. A HEPA filter can make a great difference in the situation in fighting the causes of allergens which will improve your indoor environment as well as quality of life.

Source: Clean Air plus

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