Research indicates that people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors*, where allergens congregate with volatile organic compounds. There’s no better time than National Indoor Air Quality Month to scan your home for ways to increase the breathability of your air. Take time this October to complete these five tasks to breathe better.
Knowing what triggers asthma or other irritation is the first step toward cleaner air. Do you have damp spaces where mold can grow? A pet that carries dander? Certain areas that are prone to dust accumulation? Take note of these and other common breathing irritants such as secondhand smoke and chemicals.
After identifying your environment’s challenges, take precautions to limit them. Declare your home smoke-free. Don’t let pets onto furniture. Clean out dust and dander by laundering bedding often. Frequently vacuum your furniture and carpets. Prevent pests by cleaning up spills immediately.
Moisture and mold can create respiratory issues. Start by checking the main culprits in every home—any spaces that stay damp. Bathrooms and basements are common problem areas, but even overwatered plants can carry mold in their soil.
To prevent mold, control moisture. Fix leaks, increase ventilation, run exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and pay attention to the drip pans of all appliances.
Survey your cleaning, household and hobby products, and responsibly dispose of those with higher toxicity levels. When buying paints or lawn mower gasoline, buy only as much as you need, and purchase alternative cleaning solutions that are environmentally friendly.
Radon, a cancer-causing radioactive gas, can have a huge impact on air quality. It can enter your home through cracks in the house’s foundation and can also be found in well water. Although you can’t see radon, you can easily test for it by buying a kit at a local hardware store, or you can contact your state’s radon office to find a list of qualified radon testers.
Regularly changing your air filter allows the heating and cooling system to work more efficiently to capture allergens in the air. Downloading the Filtrete™ Smart App on your mobile device will ensure you never miss a change. When connected to your Filtrete™ Smart Air Filter through the app, you’ll get notifications about the remaining life of your filter, along with information about the air quality in your area and additional tips to keep your indoor air quality in top condition.