Indoor Air Quality

Did you know?

• In general, indoor air is four to five times more polluted than outdoor air
• According to a study by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, indoor air contaminants are responsible for or aggravate half of all illnesses
• It is recommended we drink approximately two quarts of clean water each day. By comparison, we inhale approximately 15,000 quarts of air each day

Children especially at risk

• More than 15 million Americans are estimated to have asthma, including one in 13 school-age children
• Because they breathe faster than adults, children inhale 50 percent more air per pound of body weight than adults and are especially sensitive to air quality problems

Many susceptible

Poor indoor air quality negatively affects the health of more than 15 million Americans who have asthma and the 28 million who suffer from hay fever and other allergies.

How to Clean Your Air

Tobacco smoke

Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 compounds, many of which are strong irritants.

Ordinary activities

Daily chores like cooking, cleaning and redecorating can spread pollutants.

Dust

Most homes generate about 40 pounds per year for every 1,500 square feet of space. About 40,000 dust mites, a common cause of household allergies, can be found in just one ounce of dust.

Pollen

Flowers are one source of pollen, but tress are the main culprits for allergy sufferers. Birch, alder and pine trees rely on the wind (instead of inspects) to distribute their pollen.

Exposure on the rise

Exposure to indoor air pollutants has increased for many reasons, including more frequent use of chemically formulated personal care products, household cleaners and synthetic materials. Also, most homes built after 1979 have tighter insulation wraps that trap smoke, odors and other irritants indoors.