Breathe better by creating a total indoor air quality plan

What most people don’t realize is that the air we breathe indoors can be 20 times more polluted than outdoor air. The good news is that you can reduce indoor air pollutants in your home and maintain healthy indoor air.

When people think of indoor air born pollutants they often think of things like pollen, cleaning products, pet dander and dust mites. However, some people are also sensitive to molds. For those who are, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing or skin irritation. Some people with serious allergies to molds may have more severe reactions.

Molds can be found both indoors and outdoors, and grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions. Outdoors they can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing such as compost piles and cut grass. Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements, kitchens or bathrooms.

Decreasing your exposure to mold, as well as air born allergens, in your home is part of creating a total indoor air quality plan for you and your family.

Ways to decrease mold and air born allergens in your home:

• Keep the humidity level in the house between 40% and 60%.
• Use media filters such as, HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arresting). These are considered to produce the best results as they remove a larger percentage of pollen and many asthma and allergy causing pollutants.
• Use UV (Ultra Violet) lights, which are good for reducing bacteria, fungi and microbial growth on wet indoor surfaces.
• Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
• Change your furnace and air conditioner filters regularly.
• Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans in showers and kitchens, and open doors and windows when the weather permits to air out your home.
• Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.
• Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.

Call us at 512-837-2917 and we can recommend the best indoor air quality solutions to reduce air born allergens in your home and help you breathe better.