How Clean is the Air in Your Home?

The need for clean air in our homes should not be underestimated. Canadians spend an average of 90% of their time inside; and our homes contain many substances that may be hazardous to our health.

Indoor air pollutants range from minor irritants such as dust and animal dander, to major irritants such as molds and chemical vapours that may be emitted from building materials and furnishings.

It is important to be aware of how air contaminants can affect our health and to adopt corrective measures that will improve indoor air quality in our homes.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Living with Poor Indoor Air Quality

You don't have to suffer from poor indoor air quality. If you learn more about air pollutants, you'll understand how to spot them and how to get rid of them.

Common signs and symptoms of people exposed to poor indoor air include:

• Headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath
• Worsening allergy and asthma symptoms
• Sinus congestion, cough, and sneezing
• Eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation
• Dizziness and nausea

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The ABC's of IAQ?
Common Sources of Air Quality Problems.

Poor indoor air can arise from many sources. At least some of the following contaminants can be found in almost any home:

•  Poor ventilation: unvented kerosense and gas heaters, gas appliances, wood and gas burning fireplaces, leaking chimneys and furnaces and automobile exhaust in attached garages are all basic factors to consider when dealing with poor indoor air quality.

•  Moisture and biological pollutants: such as molds, mildew, dust mites, animal dander and cockroaches from high humidity levels, inadequate ventilation, and poorly maintained humidifiers and air conditioners.

•  Combustion products: including carbon monoxide, from unvented fossil fuel space heaters, unvented gas stoves and ovens, and backdrafting from furnaces and water heaters.

•  Formaldehyde: from durable press draperies and other textiles, particle board products such as cabinets and furniture framing, and adhesives.

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Top Ten Tips for a Healthy Home

1) Declare your home a smoke-free zone
Secondhand smoke can cause serious health problems, especially for children. Ask smokers to take it outside.

2) Good ventilation reduces indoor air pollution
Leave doors between rooms open most of the time for better air circulation. Open windows when possible to allow for a good supply of outdoor air. Install exhaust fans in bathrooms to remove moisture and chemicals from the house.

3) Keep humidity levels low
Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner, as needed. Clean both regularly so they don't become a source of pollutants themselves. Fix all leaks and drips in the home, as standing water and high humidity encourages the growth of mold and other biological pollutants.
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Remedies to Indoor Air Quality Problems

The two main sources of indoor air pollutants that affect humans can be characterized as either biological or chemical.

Biological pollutants
Biological pollutants originate from living things or are themselves living things. These contaminants can also be either gases or particles (e.g. mould spores). Some common sources of biological pollutants include pets and mattresses.

Chemical pollutants
Chemical pollutants can be either gases (e.g. carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide) or particles.

Help rid your home of these Contaminents by following these remedies...more>>

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Downloadable Healthy Home
Booklet: American Lung Association & 3M

The Health House Project goal is to raise the standards for healthier indoor environments.

Download pdf - size 460kb

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Do My Ducts Really Need Cleaning?

Unlike other parts of your home, you don't have to have your ducts cleaned at specific intervals. Rather, you should clean them whenever they get dirty and full of air polluting debris. You may hit that point twice in one year or you may not hit it at all for a couple of years. Usually, people suspect poor indoor air quality when a foul odor fills their home or when they suddenly develop allergies or breathing problems within their own home. Read over the following recommendations to know when to call a duct cleaning company.

First: Check Your Air Filter
Whatever dirt is on your Air Filter is only a small portion of the amount of dust in your return air duct. If you think it's very dirty, then it'd be safe to say that could have your ducts inspected. Now would also be a good time to replace or clean the filter.
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In This Issue:
> Symptoms of Poor Air Quality
> Air Quality Problems
> Ten Tips for a Healthy Home
> Remedies to Indoor Air Quality Problems
> Healthy Home Download
> Do My Ducts REALLY need cleaning?