-
5 Surprising Things That are Impacting Your Indoor Air
-
Biological pollutants may be present in the complex makeup of your indoor air—and they’re often small enough to be inhaled by you and your family. Here, we identify a few of the top biological culprits and offer tips for minimizing their impact.
-
Mold spores
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America describes spores as the “seeds” of mold that travel through the air. Molds live nearly everywhere, and when a mold source is upset, spores can wind up in your air and may be ingested, potentially leading to an allergic reaction or asthma**.
Tip: Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and in the kitchen.
-
Pet dander
Although the proteins in pet dander (aka dead skin cells) are harmless, they’re still not doing your indoor air quality any favors if you or a family member has a sensitive immune system***. Dander can’t be eliminated completely, but it can be significantly reduced through regular cleaning, according to the Environmental Protection Agency*.
Tip: Brush your pet outdoors to help remove dander.
-
Pollen
If you suffer watery eyes, a runny nose and fits of sneezing when pollen gets into the air, you’re not alone. Millions of people react this way to airborne pollen in the spring, summer and fall****. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory explains that the allergens can find their way indoors through open windows and doors, and can hitch rides on clothing*****.
Tip: Keep windows closed and opt for air conditioning when pollen counts are high.
-
Dust mites
According to the EPA, some of the most powerful biological allergens come from household dust mites***. They are too small to see with the naked eye, but look like white bugs with eight legs under a microscope. They thrive in warm, humid weather, so keeping indoor humidity under control is key to managing dust mites in your home******.
Tip: Wash bedding weekly in 130°F water*.
-
Bacteria
People, animals and debris from soil and plants carry and transport bacteria, which are frequently associated with standing water, wet surfaces and water-damaged materials.
Tip: Make an effort to fully clean and dry water-damaged areas within 24 hours. Because it’s tough to completely remove biological contaminants from damaged materials, removing and replacing might be a healthier option*.
-
Air Improvement Strategies
While each contaminant above requires its own special attention, some home care measures can help stunt the growth of several biological contaminants.
One such tactic: the EPA recommends keeping the relative humidity in a home between 30 and 60 percent*.
You can also install a Filtrete™ Healthy Living Air Filter, which uses exclusive Filtrete™ Brand 3-in-1 technology from 3M to pull in and trap unwanted air particles, including mold spores, pollen, pet dander, dust, lint, bacteria, viruses, as well as cough and sneeze debris.
-
