The air you breathe
n According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, many people spend as much as 90 percent of their time indoors. Another EPA study indicates that indoor air pollution may be two to five times higher - and occasionally more than 100 times higher - than outdoor levels. As a result, the EPA has identified indoor air pollution as one of the top five urgent environmental risks to public health.

Reduce indoor allergens
n Dust mites and their debris, mold, pet dander and pollen are potent allergens and can travel through the air undetected. They can be inhaled and enter the respiratory system. Infectious and non-infectious diseases can be caused by various biological agents found in a home.
n Mold can be found in the soil of houseplants - so check them often. If mold growth is evident, the plants may need to be re-potted or kept outdoors.
n Prohibit smoking in the home.
n Place allergen-resistant covers over mattresses and pillows. Feather pillows and down comforters are not recommended for individuals with asthma or allergies. Bedding should be washed every week, in water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit (hot setting).
n Use a high efficiency air filter in your central heating or air conditioning system.
n Reduce indoor air humidity to less than 50 percent. This may vary from region to region across the country. Be sure to consult with your personal physician for an appropriate recommendation.
n Never store more than a few pieces of firewood indoors. Remember that a little common sense goes a long way.
n Regular and thorough cleaning of places where allergy-causing pollutants are likely to grow - including the kitchen, bathroom and basement - will keep them at a minimum.

Avoid heating headaches
n Combustion pollutants are gases or particles that come from burning organic materials such as wood, natural gas or charcoal. Combustion pollutants that may be present in homes are carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Exposure to combustion pollutants can lead to serious health problems, ranging from headaches and breathing difficulties to death. Common sources include furnaces, gas stoves and fireplaces.
n Install a carbon monoxide detector with a digital display in your home. Check it regularly.
n Make sure all fuel burning appliances such as your furnace, hot water heater and gas range, are in good working order and that they are examined annually by a professional.

Furnishings
n Selecting furnishings for the interior of a home can be a challenge if any residents are sensitive to chemicals that are used in their manufacture or preservation. Many furnishings contain formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds and can off-gas chemical emissions.
n When selecting cabinets and furniture, try to choose products made of solid hardwood, not particleboard.

Paint and flooring
n All paints release trace amounts of gases for months after application. These gases can cause upper respiratory irritation. For this reason, try to use no or low VOC-emitting paints on walls. Air out the room while painting and after application.
n When installing flooring materials use non-toxic adhesives or mechanical fasteners. Try to avoid using aerosol spray products. Substitute pump-type products whenever they are available. n Some aerosol products release particles in the air that can be inhaled into the lungs and absorbed into the bloodstream.

Household products
n Don't permit recycling items such as newspapers, rags, cans and bottles to accumulate in your living space. These products can be sources of toxic vapors, unpleasant odors and bacteria. Store them in a covered area outdoors and recycle frequently.
n Use low-toxic cleaning products whenever available. Consider natural cleaners like lemon juice, boric acid, baking soda and vinegar, which are good alternatives to chemical cleaning agents.

SOURCE: www.lungusa.org