Facts and Tips
Facts
- The Environmental Protection Agency ranks poor indoor air quality
among the top five environmental risks to public health. Interestingly,
five out of 10 Americans are not aware of this fact. (Source:
American Lung Association and 3M survey, 2002)
- Levels of air pollution inside the home can be two to five times higher
(and occasionally 100 times higher) than outdoor levels. (Source:
Environmental Protection Agency, 2002)
- Asthma, which can be triggered by either indoor or outdoor air
pollution, annually accounts for an estimated three million lost
workdays for adults and 10.1 million lost school days in children. Asthma
costs our nation $12.7 billion in health care costs annually. (Source:
American Lung Association, Trends in Asthma Morbidity and Mortality, 2002)
- A survey commissioned on behalf of the American Lung Association
Health House program and 3M in April 2002 found that many of those
questioned are not aware of: (a) the potential dangers associated with poor indoor air; (b) steps homeowners can take to improve air quality in the home.
- More than 50 percent of Americans are not aware that poor indoor
air quality is one of the top five most urgent environmental risks
to public health. And nearly 25 percent of Americans are not concerned
about the air quality in their homes and the impact it can have on
their family’s health.
- Less than 20 percent of Americans believe that the air inside
their homes is more polluted than the air outdoors. However, the
Environmental Protection Agency states that levels of air pollution
inside the home can be two to five times higher — and occasionally up to 100 times higher — than outdoor levels.
- More than 70 percent of Americans have forced air heating and/or
central air in their homes. Yet nearly 50 percent do not change the
filter in their heating/air conditioning unit every 2 to 3 months as
recommended. And 10 percent have never replaced the filter in their
heating/air conditioning unit.
- Only about 11 percent of Americans purchase high efficiency furnace
filters, despite the fact that high efficiency filters can be more
effective than standard fiberglass filters in capturing pollen, pet
dander, smoke and other potentially harmful microparticles.
- More than 50 percent of Americans are not aware that forced air
heating and air conditioning units should be inspected annually by a
professional. And more than 30 percent of Americans have never had
their forced air heating or air conditioning units inspected.
- Nearly 75 percent of Americans live with someone who has allergies,
asthma, emphysema or another respiratory illness.
- Only 27 percent of Americans have carbon monoxide detectors in
their homes.
Source of Survey Information: Amercican Lung Association, How Much
Do You Know About Air Quality? (7/04)
Tips
- Good ventilation reduces indoor air pollution. Leave doors between
rooms open most of the time for better air circulation. Open windows when possible to allow for a good supply of outdoor air. Install exhaust fans in bathrooms to remove moisture and chemicals from the house.
- Keep humidity levels low with a dehumidifier or air conditioner,
as needed. Clean both regularly so they don't become a source of pollutants
themselves. Fix all leaks and drips in the home, as standing water and
high humidity encourages the growth of mold and other biological pollutants.
- Use a high efficiency furnace filter and replace it every two to
three months. A high efficiency filter not only protects the furnace, but can also capture up to 30 times more pollutants such as smoke, pet dander and pollen than standard fiberglass filters.
- So that air is always passing through the filter, run the furnace
fan continuously regardless of the outdoor temperature. To do so, set the furnace thermostat to the “on,” rather than the “auto,” position.
- Have a professional inspect the furnace once a year to make sure
that the air intake is adequate and the unit is operating at peak
efficiency. A smooth-running furnace helps the filter capture more
soot particles in the home.
- Prohibit smoking in the home.
- Make sure gas cooking appliances are vented to the outdoors.
Source: American Lung Association