Tips for Controlling Problems

In the last several years, doctors and public health officials have found that poor air quality in the home is a growing problem, with significant health risks. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to reduce concentrations of pollutants in your home:

• Avoid smoking indoors
• Get some houseplants (which clear the air of more than 300 types of volatile organic compounds)
• Regularly dust with a damp rag
• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter
• Select low-toxicity products and make sure they’re stored properly
• Always read safe-handling instructions on household cleansers
• Make sure the room is well-ventilated when using cleansers and aerosols
• Remove shoes at the door to avoid tracking in dirt and pollen
• Wash bedding and clothing with hot water and dry with high heat
• Have a HVAC contractor evaluate your home’s air for potential problems
• Install and properly maintain an air-purification system