Indoor Air Pollution: Removing Asthma Triggers
Asthma is a serious respiratory illness affecting as many as 17 million Americans. Asthma attacks occur in response to triggers like allergens, cold air, exercise or stress. Some of the allergens and irritants that are present in indoor air pollution can also act as asthma triggers. By improving the air in your home, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of asthma attacks at home.
Environmental tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke) is released from the burning end of a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, or is exhaled by a smoker. Secondhand smoke can trigger an asthma episode. Choose not to smoke in your home and don't allow others to do so either.
Dust mites are not visible to the naked eye, but are found in every home. They live and breed in mattresses, pillows, carpets, stuffed toys and similar items. Wash your sheets and blankets regularly. Wash stuffed toys often. Dust-proof mattress and pillow covers are available. Use them.
Skin flakes, urine and saliva from your pets can trigger asthma attacks. Consider keeping your pets outdoors. Keep them out of bedrooms and away from fabric covered furniture, stuffed toys, and carpets.
Mold is an asthma trigger for some. To control mold, you have to control moisture. Lower moisture levels will also help control dust mites and cockroaches. Remove existing mold completely. Fix leaky plumbing. Vent clothes dryers to the outside.
The droppings or body pats of pests like cockroaches or rodents can trigger asthma attacks. Never leave food or garbage out. Food should be stored in airtight containers. Clean up food crumbs or spills as soon as possible. Try using baits and traps to control pests before resorting to pesticide sprays.
If you or someone in your household suffers from asthma, taking these steps may reduce the frequency of asthma attacks.
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Basic Strategies To Reduce Indoor Air Pollution
... sufficient outside air. If local weather or climate will allow, you can open windows and doors, or use ceiling and attic fans. Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans can also help reduce indoor air pollution by removing contaminants directly and by increasing the outdoor air exchange rate. If you are doing ...
Indoor Air Pollution: The Dangers Of Carbon Monoxide
... the level of exposure. Low levels can cause nausea, headaches and shortness of breath. These are similar to flu symptoms, and therefore may not alert you to a carbon monoxide problem. Moderate levels cause severe headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, or fainting. If even moderate levels continue, death ...
Components Of Indoor Air Pollution: Secondhand Smoke
... smoking indoors. Smoking in a different room from non-smokers may seem to reduce exposure, but studies have indicated that this does not eliminate the passive smoking threat. Ventilation will also reduce but not eliminate exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. But the amount of ventilation required ...
Components Of Indoor Air Pollution: Biological Contaminants
... effects include sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and more. Biological agents are particularly hard on children, the elderly, and persons with respiratory problems. The first line of attack on biological contaminants is to reduce moisture. Exhaust fans that vent to the outdoors can significantly reduce ...
Remodeling And Indoor Air Pollution Part 2
... a better solution is to make your home tightly sealed and energy efficient, and then add mechanical ventilation. This will ensure that you maintain control over ventilation. Outdoor air enters a leaky house intermittently. Mechanical ventilation brings in outside air and exhausts pollutants in a planned ...