The starts of spring is synonymous with seasonal allergies. Beginning in March, asthma and allergies symptoms flare up, including sneezing, itching, and stuffy noses. In the springtime alone, hay fever — an allergy to pollens, dust mites, molds, or animal hair — affects 30 to 60 million people in the United States. Allergens enter the home by means of household products,
In other countries and cultures, such as Japan, it is required that you take your shoes off at the door and put slippers on before entering the living space. This takes place in many schools and public places as well. You might think this makes perfect sense in a Japanese context since Japanese homes have floor pillows, tatami mats, and futons
If you’ve been shopping around for air filters or air purifiers to improve indoor air quality, you’ve probably read or heard the phrase, “Removes particles as small as (insert number here) microns.” But what does that really mean? What is a micron and why does it matter when it comes to air quality? Is there
In addition to professional source control, there are many things you can do as a homeowner to reduce the sources of air pollution in the home: Look at product ingredients before you buy them, especially cleaners, adhesives, air fresheners, varnish, paint, new carpet, flooring, solvents, and anything that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Look for
Winter makes indoor air quality much more apparent due to the increased time spend indoors and reduced ventilation from closed windows and improved air sealing and insulation. Trapping air will lead to unhealthy conditions, which is why it’s important to have ventilation and other systems in place to refresh your air and improve indoor air
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon-containing organic chemicals that get released into the air and can cause a variety of adverse health effects. VOC concentrations are almost always higher indoors due to their presence in many household products combined with poor ventilation. These common household products all release harmful VOCs into the air while you
If you are experiencing an increase in asthma and allergy triggers, you may have pollen, pet dander, dust mites, hair, and other irritants floating around your air. Summer is a particularly bad time for allergies from airborne pollen and mold spores. Grasses, such as bluegrass, bermuda, and orchard, and weeds, such as ragweed are among
.Spring brings blooming flowers, warmer weather, and an abundance of life wherever you look. Unfortunately, springtime allergens and pollutants often make an appearance, ruining all the fun. Allergens are antigens (molecules that induce an immune response in the host), which kick in when the body detects a foreign invader. Allergens find their way into the home
When was the last time you changed your air filter? When it comes to home comfort, it’s often the little things that make a huge difference. Change your air filter every month during heavy use months, and at least every 3 months during off-peak times. By changing your filter on a monthly basis (or as
Shifting weather, extended daylight—all signs point to spring! There are many ways to improve your home each season. Spring brings renewed attention to indoor air quality. Pollen from fresh blooms is just one of the things to keep at bay, especially if you have asthma or respiratory concerns. Below is a list of common indoor