How clean is the air inside your home?
When you breathe in the air in your home, you may be breathing in more than you know. Approximately 87% of American homeowners are unaware of indoor air pollution. Our indoor air facts may suprise you.
A serious problem
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health. EPA studies indicate that indoor levels of many pollutants may be 25 times - and occastionally more than 100 times - higher than outdoor levels. Another study by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shows that indoor air contaminants are responsible for or aggravate half of all illnesses.
Many susceptible
Poor indoor air quality negatively affects the health of more than 15 million Americans who have asthma and the 28 million who suffer from hay fever and other allergies.
Children are especially at risk
It's important to remember that young children breathe faster than adults - inhaling 50% more air per pound of body weight. They're particularly sensitive to indoor air quality problems.
Where do pollutants come from?
Tobacco smoke
Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 compounds, many of which are strong irritants.
Ordinary activities
Daily chores like cooking, cleaning and redecorating can spread pollutants.
Dust
Most homes generate about 40 pounds per year for every 1,500 square feet of space. About 40,000 dust mites, a common cause of household allergies, can be found in just one ounce of dust.
Pollen
Flowers are one source of pollen, but tress are the main culprits for allergy sufferers. Birch, alder and pine trees rely on the wind (instead of inspects) to distribute their pollen.
Exposure on the rise
Exposure to indoor air pollutants has increased for many reasons, including more frequent use of chemically formulated personal care products, household cleaners and synthetic materials. Also, most homes built after 1979 have tighter insulation wraps that trap smoke, odors and other irritants indoors.
