The American Lung Association and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology offer the following tips to help improve the air quality in homes:
- Replace air filters. Air filtration can help reduce pollution from airborne particles inside the home. Try to do it the first week of each season.
- Remove moisture. Moisture allows mold to grow -- anywhere. If needed, add ventilation for the cooler months to reduce the moisture built up from day-to-day household activities. It also helps to fix leaks and use the bathroom exhaust fan when bathing or showering.
- Update fireplace. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, you may want to consider replacing it with a vented gas model, which produces less indoor air pollution. Check flues and chimneys -- look for any blockage or cracks. Make sure the draft is clear of debris.
- Install a carbon-monoxide alarm.
- Inspect appliances. Hire a professional yearly to examine all your fuel-burning appliances -- furnace, water heater, gas range.
- Recycle. Use air conditioners on recycle mode.
- Wash your pets once a week and wipe their paws to avoid tracking outdoor dust and pollutants back into the house.
- Clean your floors with a damp mop or cloth. Don't sweep with a dry broom; it can make dust airborne again.
- Vacuum with filters. Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum cleaners/filters to remove dust.
- Get some green. Common houseplants (spider plants, daisies, chrysanthemums) can remove some indoor air pollutants.
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