Did you know that the air in your home is likely more polluted than the air outside? That’s a troubling fact considering how much indoor air pollutants can affect the health of your family.
Here is some useful information about indoor air:
• The 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 occasionally more than 100 times, higher than outdoor levels. In general, indoor air is four to five times more polluted than outdoor air.
• More than 15 million Americans are estimated to have asthma, including one-in-13 school-age children.
• In the last 30 years, the number of people with asthma has gone up by almost 60%.
• 87% of American homeowners are not aware that pollution may be worse inside their homes than outdoors.
• The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 30% of newly constructed and remodeled facilities have indoor air quality problems.
• Because they breathe faster than adults, children inhale 50% more air per pound of body weight than adults and are especially sensitive to air quality problems.
• Over 28 million Americans suffer from hay fever and other allergies.
• According to a study by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, indoor air contaminants are responsible for half of all illnesses.
• Tobacco smoke actually contains over 4,000 compounds, many of which are strong irritants.
• Many ordinary activities such as cooking, cleaning and redecorating can spread indoor pollutants.
• Most homes generate about 40 pounds of dust 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 only one ounce of dust.
• Even a spotless home can allow indoor pollutants to flourish. Bathrooms, damp basements, and even carpets and furniture are often the prime cause.
• Flowers are a source of pollen, but trees are the main culprits for allergy sufferers. Many trees, such as birch, alder and pine trees, rely on the wind instead of insects to distribute their pollen.
• Exposure to indoor air pollutants has increased due to a variety of factors, including the increased use of synthetic building materials and furnishings, chemically formulated personal care products, and household cleaners.
• Most homes built after 1979 have tighter insulation wraps that trap smoke, odors and other irritants indoors.
• It is suggested we drink approximately two quarts of clean water each day. By comparison, we inhale approximately 15,000 quarts of air each day.
• New TRANE CleanEffects™ is the industry’s most effective whole house air filtration system, capable of removing up to 99.98% of particles and allergens from the filtered air.
• Keep pets away from home furnishings like beds and couches that can collect their dander.
• Wash bed linens regularly to inhibit dust mites.
• A relative humidity of 30-50% is recommended for optimal home comfort and controlling growth of biological irritants like mildew.
• Keep the air at below 50% relative humidity to kill dust mites, one of the most common household allergens.
Fortunately, there is something you can do to clean up the air in your home. Give us a call and we’ll sit down to discuss the solutions to polluted indoor air. Just click on “contact us” below!
Absolute Air is your local Heating and Air Conditioning company, serving all of Utah Valley for over 10 years. We hope you’ll give us the chance to provide you with Absolute Comfort, and Absolute Satisfaction!
Until next time,
-Brian Hortin
Marketing Manager
