Clearing the Air Indoors
Feeling stuck inside this winter? So is the air inside your home. In recent years, research has found that the air inside homes can be more polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest, most industrialized cities! Indoor air pollution can lead to more frequent colds, respiratory problems, and other ailments and diseases.
Here are tips to keep your home and your family healthy:
- Keep the house clean. House dust mites, pollens,
animal dander, and other pollutants can be reduced
through regular cleaning. Install and use fans vented to the outdoors in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
- Ventilate the
attic and crawl spaces to prevent moisture buildup.
Keeping humidity levels in these areas below 50% can
prevent water condensation on building materials,
which can breed bacteria.
- Clean humidifiers regularly and refill with fresh water
daily. Humidifiers can become breeding grounds for
biological contaminants that can cause illnesses.
Evaporation trays in air conditioners, dehumidifiers,
and refrigerators also should be cleaned frequently.
- Thoroughly clean and dry water-damaged carpets
or consider removing or replacing them. Wet carpets
can harbor mold and bacteria. It is very difficult to
completely rid them of contaminants.
- Minimize pollutants in basements. Clean and disinfect
the basement floor drain regularly. Operate a
dehumidifier in the basement if needed to keep relative
humidity levels between 30%-50%.
|
Earth Share, a federation of America's leading non-profit environmental and conservation charities,
promotes environmental education and charitable giving in employee workplace campaigns.
For more tips or to find out how your workplace can help the earth, visit the "Get Involved" section of our website, or call (800) 875-3863. |