It’s time to take ACTION to improve Indoor Air Quality: Part 3

Pets have allergies too!

Most people don’t realize that October is National Indoor Air Quality Month. Probably because it is not one of the more publicized “months of recognition”. That is probably because 90% of Americans when surveyed told us that they were not aware that poor indoor air quality (IAQ) could affect their overall health and well-being. In the third part of our four part series on ACTIONS you can take to improve IAQ, we turn our attention to our furry friends and how moisture in your home can make a huge impact on the air you breathe.

Action 5: Take the time to clean-up after your pets.

Indoor pets are great. They provide a sense of comfort and love for their owners. We know this because we have them too! We all know that pet hair and dander are allergen triggers and can negatively impact your home’s indoor air quality. But did you also know, that poorly maintained litter trays and pet cages can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs that become airborne each movement, scratch, or dig your pet makes in those areas? Changing your home air filter or furnace filter at least every 60 days will significantly help trap these airborne contaminates before they have a chance to re-circulate within your home and impact lung health. In addition, you can take extra measures, such as establishing “pet-free” zones within your home and using mattress covers and allergen-resistant bedding. And here is a tip from one of our Members: “Because both my children have bad allergies, we set up a regular cleaning schedule the coincides with when our air filters arrive every month.  So while I replace the filters, Taylor is responsible for bathing the dog and Jill gets to clean out the cat tray and wash down dog cage. It’s a great way to remember, and to teach my kids how import their air quality is. P.S. It is also a great reminder to check the batteries in my smoke detectors. ”

Action 6: Look for places where moisture hides.

Moisture and mold go hand in hand. September was Mold Awareness Month where we discussed how the number of residential mold contamination cases and related health problems that continue to rise across the nation. Mold is a major contributor to poor IAQ and typically grows on windowsills, inside closets, under sinks,  in or around showers, and even inside dishwasher and washing machines. Also, mold can be found growing in places you might not even think about – on wall paper, under your flooring/ carpeting, and even in the soil of potted plants. Give mold a warm, moist environment and it will spread quickly. Areas where you might experience sweating concrete or bad drainage are often found to have mold growing. Experts also point out that poor insulation in your walls or attic can also lead to the wood, paneling, or covering to be a place where moisture repeatedly collects. If you feel moisture in any of these areas, take action quickly! Make it a point to clean gutters and drains on a regular basis, point sprinklers away from you home, fix leaks quickly when noticed, and keep the humidity level in your home down by running your air conditioner or dehumidifier frequently. You can also check the humidity level in your home by checking your air filters inside the air return. If you filters are wet to the touch, you may not be replacing your air filters on-time. Also, make sure the air filter you are using is made of durable, moisture resistant materials to help keep the filter from “buckling” inside the duct work – which could cause major damage to your AC system parts.

Awareness of our pets and moisture becomes more prevalent in late summer/early fall as our time indoors increases. Look for those “danger” spots within your home that could present opportunities for mold and airborne contaminates to originate and that will help you reduce your family and pets’ exposure to air quality that may be harmful their health. In our final segment, we will talk about the things in your attic – duct work and insulation – that make an impact on the air you breathe. Remember, your regular inspections, scheduled cleaning, and preventative maintenance are key ACTIONS against poor Indoor Air Quality!