INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
How Serious is the Problem?
The air you breathe in your home or office could be making you sick! Some people report dizziness, headaches, burning eyes, aching throats and loss of energy - symptoms often mistaken for the common cold. But do these symptoms go away when you leave the building? If so, this is a good indication that your building may have "sick building" syndrome, otherwise known as indoor air pollution. If left untreated, allergies, depression and chronic illness could result.
Potentially Dangerous Indoor Pollutants
Our homes and buildings are sealed tighter today than in the past, thanks largely to the energy crises of the 70's. All this has altered our indoor environments. We've introduced thousands of coatings, glues, fabrics, insecticides, disinfectants, personal care products, soaps, perfumes, refrigerants, lubricants, dry cleaning chemicals, cooking odors and pet odors into our indoor air. Thanks to the greater insulation and tighter homes, there is not enough fresh air introduced into our homes and offices to help rid the air of these pollutants. Offices are even worse because most of them have windows that do not even open. All these pollutants float through the air unseen, yet get into our lungs when we breathe. Can this be good? Not according to the EPA and the House of Representatives. They both rate Indoor Air Pollution as the number one environmental health concern of Americans today.
Can Indoor Air Pollution Cause Medical Problems?
Dust mites are associated with over 80% of the respiratory problems caused by "bad air" in your home or office. Only 10% of the colds are caught outdoors, 90% indoors. Many otherwise unexplained physical ailments like allergic reactions or flu-like symptoms that persist long after a normal cold should have run its course may be traced to airborne pollutants in the home or office.
What We Can Do About It!
You must reduce dust and dust mites and other allergens floating in the air by any means possible. Here are a few tips that have been known to help the problem:
* Replace furnace filters regularly
* Vacuum frequently - using micro-filter dust free bags
* Wash bedding frequently - in 130 degree or hotter temperature
* Use impermeable covers over mattress and pillows
* Clean carpets and upholstery regularly
* Keep your home in the 25-35% humidity range. When a home is kept too dry, allergens are far more apt to float.
* Purchase an air purifier that will reduce the airborne allergens and oxidize the odors. Thanks to today's technology, there is a unique air purification system on the market today that has no filters and requires little maintenance, yet helps rid the air of odors and airborne allergens. For more information on this product call your local carpet cleaner.