Keeping a Healthy Home
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Air Filtration
"There is no practical means to limit exposure
to pollutants outdoors. However, at least half of a 24-hour day
is spent indoors, and air conditioning with high-efficiency air
filtration can markedly decrease indoor exposure."
—Environmental
Control Measures for Asthma
Miles Weinberger,
M.D.; Professor of Pediatrics Director, Pediatric Allergy
and Pulmonary Division
Air Filtration
A good air filter is essential to reduce common
allergens and airborne particles, reducing allergy
and asthma attacks. It is estimated that Americans
spend as much as 95% of their time indoors...why
spend that time breathing dust mites, mold spores
and
pet
dander?
Upgrading your air filter will
provide relief to everyone - even if you do not
suffer from allergies or asthma. One caution, though: filters
must be maintained and changed regularly
to provide
a benefit. Failure to change out filters
could damage your air-conditioning system.
Which Filter/System is Right for Your
Home?
Before spending money on an air purification
system that may not meet the unique needs of your home, have
an indoor air survey performed.
Whether your home is less than 1 year old or over 100 years old,
you most likely have an indoor air pollution concentration higher
than that outdoors. The more time spent in a polluted indoor
environment increases the chances of developing respiratory problems.
The very young, elderly, those suffering from allergies or asthma,
and the immunocompromised are at greater risk.
Filters Can:
Remove particulates
from the air. The efficiency of a filter is graded using
the MERV
scale.
Capture viruses
and bacteria
Capture mold spores
Capture dust mite
fragments and fecal matter
Carbon filters can
remove gasses from the air
Filters Cannot:
Kill viruses and
bacteria
Kill nor rid your
home of mold
Kill nor rid your
home of dust mites
Rid your home of
radon
Comfort
Air purification is a critical component
of good indoor air quality. Even the best kept home will have
dust, pollen, mold spores and other allergens in the air.
A healthy indoor living environment can
improve your lungs ability to rest, recuperate and heal. According
to the national Jewish Medical and Research Center, allergy
and asthma symptoms may improve over time if the indoor environment
is properly controlled.
According to the American Lung Association,
poor indoor air quality can cause or contribute to the development
of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and can cause
headaches, dry eyes, nasal congestion, nausea and fatigue.
Good air filtration, though, is only a part
of the solution. For a complete solution to indoor air quality,
you
will need
to have good ventilation, humidity controls and protect the building
envelope itself. For more information, search through the menu
options
to the right.
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