Breathe Better with the #GiftofCleanAir

Do you know that the air inside our homes can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the World Health Organization*?

Outdoor air pollution can easily enter your home when the windows and doors are open. But even when they are closed, natural ventilation can bring in allergens and small particles – under 2.5 micrometers – into your home.

Pollen is a common indoor allergen released by trees, weeds and plants that can trigger allergy symptoms. Another indoor allergen is dust, which contains dust mites, outdoor minerals, and other particles that can trigger severe allergic reaction and asthma.

Indoor pollutants can result from cooking, cleaning and having a household pet. New indoor decorations and furnishings may release gases and volatile organic compounds.

To keep molds, bacteria and viruses from growing, the humidity levels of your home should be 40-60%. A well-humidified room makes the air more comfortable to breathe and helps keep skin from drying out.

*Actual values were indoor/outdoor ratios of 1.62–6.37 for the summer months and 2.05–10.99 for the winter months. Text and Figure from: T. Salthammer Angewandte Chemie Int. Ed. 52, (2013), 3320; Original data from: B. Wang et al. / Atmospheric Environment 41 (2007)2851–2861.