The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) claim that indoor air is 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor.  The two main reason are is the air circulation and moisture levels.

The most effective way to reduce the pollution at home is to avoid smoking indoor and reduce the chemicals that is use at home.  Also, try to open the window and circulate some fresh air.

Dust particles, mites and molds at home can harm your health.  You should clean your AC or dehumidifier filter at least once a month.  Perferrably every 2 weeks to keep your home free of contaminants.

Consider getting proper ventilation to improve the indoor air quality.   High moisture level at home could increase dampness and the growth of mold and mildew.  It will damages the walls, furniture, books and also your health.  Other household acitivities such as cooking, bathing and breathing also produce vapors. There are several tips to reduce the humdity level by 50%.  Install an exhaust fans in your bathroom. Fix all the leaks and throw out mold damaged stuff at home.

In Edmonton, an average person spends majority of the time indoor. However, the air quality indoor is at least 5 to 6 times worse than outdoor. There are many things in your home that could reduce the air quality. For example, anything from the building material, furnishings to products can have an impact on the air quality. These elements that surround your home have pollutants that could affect your health.

Biological contaminants are living organisms such as Fungi, moulds, Dust mites, Bacteria and animal dander. Chemical contaminants are gasses and particales that come from your furniture and carpets, tobacco smoke, combustion by-products (furnaces, stoves, fireplaces), Chemical from cleaners, paints, solvents and glues, Perfumes and fragrances, Pesticides, plastics and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), lead and Asbestos. Lastly, physical contaminants are Electromagnetic radiation, Radon gas and Heavy metals. As you can see, most of them are common in any home.

To reduce energy, many homes built in the 1970 and 80s, as well as some conversion homes today, are well insulated and tightly built. Less fresh air can get in and out. The levels of contaminants inside a home can build up until they are many times greater than the levels in outdoor air. This is why modern homes usually have heat recovery ventilators installed, and apartment buildings have heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This equipment conserves energy, but at the same time ensures an adequate supply of fresher, outside air.

Exposure to poor indoor air quality could cause possible health effects long term. Common symptoms are headaches, Dizziness, trouble concentrating, fatigue, eye dryness and/or irritation, stuffy nose and/or sneezing and sinus congestion, sore throat and/or husky voice, dry cough, wheezing and/or shortness of breath, nausea, and skin dryness and/or rashes.

There are several ways to improve the air quality at home.

-Buy an Air filter. The most common type is HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate air) filters, which remove even the tiniest of airborne pollutants from you air. Some purifier also has ionizer, charcoal or carbon filter to reduce the odor at home.

-Get a vacuum with a HEPA filter built in. It works like magic, the vacuum will clean the air and the floor at the same time.

-Start using natural and organic cleaning products! They do not release the same dangerous chemical into your home compare to regular cleaning products that compose with harsh chemical.

- When making a purchase decision for a furnace or air conditioner, always consider the impact it might have on indoor air quality.

Allergies are mainly caused by indoor pollution. To control allergies one must control the indoor air quality. Here are 10 tips on controlling those nasty allergies:

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Indoor air quality is an essential factor to be considered in big industries and also in homes. In our present world, constantly polluted by human activities, one must take several measures in order to maintain indoor air quality in our homes. (more…)