April 06, 2004

By: Gloria Kubossek
Website: http://www.1st-in-wellness.com

American lung association health house program and 3m issue holiday repair your air advisory

In the coming weeks, millions of hosts will set their dining room tables with the finest crystal to create a festive atmosphere for their guests. Would these gracious hosts — so mindful of every last detail — consider serving their guests murky, polluted water in those sparkling crystal glasses? Assuming the answer is no, keep in mind that for the estimated 42 million Americans who suffer from asthma and hay fever symptoms, the air they breathe is as important as the water they drink.

As part of their ongoing efforts to educate the public about the dangers associated with polluted indoor air, the American Lung Association Health House program and 3M are issuing the fourth in a series of Repair Your Air advisories1. Today’s winter advisory offers tips for Americans to repair the air inside their homes while preparing for holiday guests — especially those guests with allergies, asthma, emphysema and other respiratory problems. Homeowners are encouraged to participate in this effort by changing their home’s air filter, prohibiting smoking in the home and performing other simple tasks starting December 18 — a week prior to Christmas.

Americans need to be especially mindful of air quality in their homes during the holiday season, said Neil Schachter, M.D., professor of pulmonary medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York and past president of the American Lung Association of the City of New York. Many holiday activities such as gas cooking and the use of fireplaces, release gases and particles in the air. This often results in higher levels of indoor air pollution and increased discomfort for those with allergies, asthma and other respiratory ailments.

Here are some practical tips to help repair the air and make your guests with allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems feel more comfortable in your home, courtesy of the American Lung Association Health House program and 3M:

* Proper air filtration can help reduce levels of pollen, pet dander, smoke and other particles that can trigger or exacerbate an allergy or asthma attack. Choose air cleaning filters that meet American Lung Association Health House indoor air quality guidelines — such as Filtrete ultra allergen reduction filters from 3M — and replace these filters during the first week of every new season. Homeowners living with pets, smokers, and allergy and asthma sufferers may need to replace these filters more frequently.

* A burning fire looks cozy, but can produce harmful levels of indoor air pollution. If you have guests with lung diseases like asthma or emphysema, consider not burning the fire while they are visiting. For your own family’s health, be sure your natural gas fireplace is vented to the outside. Consider switching your wood-burning fireplace to a vented natural gas fireplace.

* Artificial Christmas trees can be a potential source for dust that accumulates on the frame and branches. So use a cloth to wipe clean the tree prior to assembling it. Also remember to clean ornaments and lights to help remove dust. Take natural Christmas trees outside and spray with a garden hose to remove pollen. Place the stump in a bucket of water and then allow the rest of the tree to dry thoroughly in the garage before taking it into the house.

* If one of your guests is allergic to dust mites or has asthma, avoid feather pillows and down comforters. Prior to your guest’s arrival, wash bedding at a hot setting. Use allergen-resistant covers on items that cannot be washed, such as pillows and mattresses.

* For the health of all members of your family and guests, allow no one to smoke in your home. Ask those smokers who can’t quit, or plan to quit come January 1, to smoke outside.

About The Author:

Gloria Kubossek is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-wellness.com.  Obtaining and keeping good health through healthy living, natural healing, great mental health and healthy finances.