The Hidden Hazards of Indoor Air

THE AIR YOU BREATHE: THE HIDDEN HAZARDS OF INDOOR AIR A simple breath, the first and last thing you do, with a few hundred million in between. 3,400 gallons 90% The air you breathe on an average day. ' Approximate time spent indoors. 3 top 5 risks Indoor air pollutants ranked among the top five environmental risks to public health. 6 2 to 5 times Indoor air pollutants can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels. ? 8 out of 10 Americans are exposed to dust mites. pollutants Homes are more energy efficient, but trapping more pollutants, especially during winter. 3 harmful effects Exposure to poor indoor air quality can have immediate harmful effects on individuals, as well as debilitating long-term effects. 6 out of 10 Americans are exposed to pet dander. AIR QUALITY HAZARDS ROOM BY ROOM Common indoor air pollutants can be found in every room of the house. Showers create Ceiling fans and cabinets can a umid carry DUST AND OTHER ALLERGENS that collect in pillows and bedsheets. 1 environment for MOLD to grow. Carpets and furniture provide great environments for DUST MITES to thrive. Leaks and exhaust from appliances can cause exposure to CARBON MONOXIDE, 7 Sources of RADON come from floor and wall openings in contact with the ground. 10 O 0 0 0 8 EASY STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR INDOOR AIR QUALITY DUST CHANGE FILTERS Dust your home regularly to prevent build up of allergens and other pollutants." Use a filter that captures at least 85 percent of large airborne particles. Replace filters regularly. WASH & VACUUM VENTILATE Wash bedding & vacuum carpets and furniture weekly to reduce dust build-up. 16 Remove air pollution by using ventilation fans in the kitchen and bathroom, 12 REDUCE HUMIDITY TEST FOR RADON Maintain humidity at 30-50%. 17 Use a radon kit to test your home for traces of the gas. 18 INSTALL ALARM OPEN WINDOWS Install a carbon monoxide alarm & run frequent tests to ensure your home is free from this pollutant. 19 To increase fresh air in your home, open windows and doors whenever possible. 13 SOURCES http://www.lung.org/assets/documents/publications/lung-disease-data/LDD_2003.pdf (1) http://www.epa.gov/region1/communities/indoorair.html (2, 3, 5) http://www.epa.gov/iaq/ia-intro.html#Pollution_and_Health (4) http://www.epa.gov/iaq/iaqhouse.html#Text_Version (6, 7, 9, 10, 11) http://www.epa.gov/asthma/dustmites.html (8) http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/careforyourair.html (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/careforyourair.html (18, 19) Filtrete