| The EPA states that the cause of indoor air | | | | mites, which produce allergens, live in warm moist |
| pollution stems from combustion pollutants such | | | | places such as mattresses, bed sheets, cloth |
| as gas, oil, coal, wood, tobacco products, building | | | | furniture, curtains and carpets. |
| materials, furnishings, insulation that contains | | | | And, as you know, mold and mildew breed in |
| asbestos, cleaning or personal use products, damp | | | | damp areas like bathrooms, kitchens and water |
| carpet and lead-based paint. | | | | damaged materials. Indoor air purifiers can virtually |
| According to the Consumer Product Safety | | | | eliminate that problem for you! |
| Commission and the Environmental Protection | | | | Many diseases and other health issues are brought |
| Agency health effects from indoor air pollutants | | | | on by these indoor air pollutants. Colds, flu, |
| may be experienced soon after exposure or, | | | | coughing, sneezing, itchy watery eyes, yes, |
| possibly, years later. | | | | respiratory problems, such as asthma, nasal |
| Immediate effects may show up after a single | | | | congestion, sinus infections, chicken pox, measles, |
| exposure or repeated exposures. These include | | | | and digestive problems can all be the result of |
| irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, | | | | pollutants. |
| dizziness, and fatigue. | | | | So, what can you do to protect yourself and |
| Such immediate effects are usually short-term | | | | your family? |
| and treatable. Sometimes the treatment is simply | | | | - There are many things you can do to help |
| eliminating the person's exposure to the source of | | | | prevent and eliminate your home of pollutants: |
| the pollution, if it can be identified. | | | | - If anyone smokes make sure they go outside |
| Symptoms of some diseases, including asthma, | | | | - Kill dust mites by washing your sheets weekly in |
| hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and humidifier fever, | | | | hot water. |
| may also show up soon after exposure to some | | | | - Dust furniture regularly |
| indoor air pollutants. | | | | - Fix any leaky pipes immediately to prevent mold |
| A booklet is prepared by the U.S. Environmental | | | | and mildew |
| Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Consumer | | | | - Improve ventilation in your home by opening |
| Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to help you | | | | windows to allow fresh outdoor air to come inside. |
| decide whether to take actions that can reduce | | | | - Make sure exhaust fans for the bathrooms and |
| the level of indoor air pollution in your own home. | | | | over the stove are working properly. |
| The air fresheners we use release such toxins, | | | | - Be sure that dryers vent outside instead of |
| also. Do you use or have any of these items in | | | | inside a garage or laundry room. |
| your home? Of course, we all do! | | | | - Reduce or eliminate the use of aerosol sprays |
| Other pollutants include viruses and bacteria that | | | | or toxic chemicals for cleaning. Use natural |
| are spread by people and animals. Cats and dogs | | | | products such as vinegar and peroxide, rubbing |
| or other pets spread bacteria through their saliva | | | | alcohol or baking soda instead. |
| and dander. Of course, the pollen in the air causes | | | | Installing home purifiers will help eliminate 99% of |
| allergies which come from plants, indoors and out. | | | | pollutants. You can find more information about |
| The dried urine from mice, rats or roaches | | | | ridding your home of toxic pollutants by visiting |
| produce an allergen that permeates the air and | | | | the listed site below. |
| causes respiratory and other problems. Dust | | | | |