The Importance of Indoor Air Quality

AIR PARTICLES WE BREATHE

Many particles of different types and sizes are carried in the air we breathe. Some large particles may settle on the walls and furniture in your home. Other large particles are removed by your nose and mouth when you inhale. Smaller particles are breathed deep into the lungs.

Asthma may be triggered by both the large and small particles. Some air particles come from the indoors. Others are carried in the outdoor air. Outdoor particles come into your home through windows, doors, and heating systems.

For most people, the indoor air particles cause no problems. But people with allergic symptoms including asthma can have problems, right in their own home.

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OUTDOOR AIR, INDOOR AIR AND AIR-CONDITIONING

Controlling your exposure to allergy and asthma “triggers” outdoors is hard. You may have to avoid outdoor air pollution, pollen, and mold spores. Any time air pollution and pollen levels are high, it's a good idea to stay indoors.

The air at home is easier to control. Some people with asthma and allergies notice that their symptoms get worse at night. Controlling allergens in the bedroom or wherever you sleep need the most care.

Air-conditioning can help. It allows windows and doors to stay closed. This keeps some pollen and mold spores outside. It also lowers indoor humidity. Low humidity helps to control mold and dust mites.

Avoid too much air-conditioning or too much heat. Room air temperature should be comfortable for someone with allergies or asthma. Some people can't tolerate a big change in temperature, particularly from warm to cold air.

Most of all, avoid Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny, microscopic spiders usually found in house dust. Several thousand mites can be found in a pinch of dust. Mites are one of the major triggers for people with allergies and asthma. They need the most work to remove.

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GENERAL RULES TO HELP CONTROL THE HOME ENVIRONMENT

Controlling the home environment is a very important part of asthma and allergy care. Some general rules for home control for all members of the family are:

• Reduce or remove as many asthma and allergy triggers from your home as possible.
• If possible, use air filters and air conditioners -- and properly maintain them -- to make your home cleaner and more comfortable.
• Pay attention to the problem of dust mites. Work hard to control this problem in the bedroom.
• Vacuum cleaners with poor filtration and design characteristics release and stir up dust and allergens.

Select a unit with high-efficiency filters such as micro filter or HEPA media, good suction, and sealed construction. Ask for test data from manufacturers to determine the quantity and size of dust particles captured (e.g., 96 % at 1.0 micron or 99.97% at 0.3 micron). Alternately, consider a central vacuum that exhausts particulate outside the home.