April 06, 2004

By: Neil Webber
Website: http://www.1st-in-wellness.com

American Lung Association Health House Project and 3M

With the onset of summer, millions of Americans may limit outdoor activities due to increased levels of ozone. However, staying cooped up indoors may do little to reduce exposure to dirty, polluted air. Just consider that according to the Environmental Protection Agency, levels of indoor air pollution may be two to five times higher — and occasionally up to 100 times higher — than outdoor levels.

A major cause of polluted air in the home results from shut ting windows and doors to keep out the sweltering heat and polluted outdoor air. Yet strangely enough, shutting doors and windows often makes air inside the home even more polluted. That’s because without proper ventilation and filtration, tiny particles of air pollution can become trapped inside the home with no means of escape.

Just like people need regular ‘check-ups,’ so do our homes, according to Nathan I. Yost, M.D., consultant to the American Lung Association Health House Project. Making sure yo ur home’s ventilation and filtration systems are in good working order is an integral part of creating a healthier home environment.

Here are some home ventilation and filtration tips, courtesy of the American Lung Association Health House Project:

· Install and use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure these fans are vented to the outdoors. Also vent clothes dryers outdoors.

· Check plumbing to make sure all drains have full water traps and a connection to a venting system.

· Tightly seal all ductwork to prevent pollutants from entering and circulating throughout the home.

· Use high efficiency filters — such as the Filtrete Ultra Allergen Reduction Filter from 3M — in furnaces and room air conditioners. High efficiency filters capture up to 30 times more harmful particles in the air than standard fiberglass filters.

For many more useful tips, the American Lung Association Health House Project and 3M are offering A Guide for Creating a Healthier Home.

About The Author:

Neil Webber 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.