The topic of indoor air pollution is one that Real Times has explored before. But as we sneeze, drip, itch and twitch our way through these late weeks of winter, the topic is well worth revisiting. It's bad enough outside; we hardly need an indoor air pollution problem exacerbating our allergies.

Approximately 5 million children in the United States suffer from asthma, and that figure continues to grow. All sorts of speculation surrounds the issue and its probable cause. Environmental scientists have attributed asthma's rising numbers to pollution -- from smoke stacks, factories, and particularly cars. But your home can be a major contributor to the problem, as well. Allergies, too, can become chronic if indoor air pollution accumulates in your home. And you'd be surprised to find out the sources. It's not what your gut reaction is probably telling you -- that indoor air pollution comes from cigarette smoke, and since you don't smoke, you don't need to worry. Or that you've had a radon and/or carbon dioxide check in your home, so you don't need to worry about those toxins, either. The most common sources of air pollution come from things that make us squirm: dust mites, bacteria, mold, dander and even roaches.

Let's start with dander -- a big problem for pet owners. Many people are allergic to cats because they commonly carry dander in their fur. When cats groom themselves by licking their own fur, they exacerbate the problem because then, the fur they shed contains saliva. Containing two allergens, t's a double-whammy for the allergic.

But you don't have to get rid of Fluffy just yet. Instead, try to keep him outdoors as much as possible. Or if that's not possible, just try to keep him out of your bedroom and any indoor areas that contain carpeting. If your home has wood, linoleum or tile floors, it's easy for you to sweep away the dander and hair on a daily basis, and keep your allergic reactions to a minimum.

Many of us aren't even aware of the presence of feathers in our bed pillows, mattresses, comforters and/or sofa pillows. They, too, can cause allergic reactions even when a layer of fabric separates you from the source of the problem. The solution is easy: Read tags, and avoid feathers. By the time they begin to poke through the lining of the fabric on your pillows, you will have suffered much too long from this hidden allergen.

You say you clean your house too well for mold to be a problem? You'd be surprised if you knew where it manages to thrive. Any spot that's humid, warm or dark is fair game. In addition to your bathtub and bathroom, mold lurks in your basement, kitchen, floorboards, and even on plants. Although it's difficult to completely eradicate all mold, you can reduce its growth as much as possible by decreasing humidity as much as you can (harder for some of us in more humid climates), keeping those drapes open to increase your home's exposure to the light, and increase ventilation whenever possible. Open up a few windows, and air out your home.

Dust mites: a subject we don't like to discuss. But just because we can't see them doesn't mean they're not there. Although dust mites aren't picky and will land just about anywhere, some of their favorite haunts are mattresses, curtains and carpets. And it's not so much the mite that triggers allergies, but the mites' waste. Same for cockroaches. They're disgusting, and although most of us would claim to be allergic to the sight of them, it's their waste that makes our allergies flare up.

According to environmental attorney Stuart Lieberman, "constant vigilance" is required to stave off the accumulation of dust mites, roaches and their waste. He recommends installing a air filter in your vacuum cleaner and purchasing an air filtration system that treats not just one room, but rather your entire home. Pay particularly close attention to the bedroom, where you spend most of your hours in terms of sleeping time. Make sure all pillows and mattresses are covered so as to provide an extra barrier between you and dust mites. Head to your local carpet outlet or home improvement store, and inquire about protective sprays for your carpeting and curtains.

Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of ... air ducts. If you've never looked inside your heating and air conditioning ducts, you may recoil at the sight of them. Countless air pollutants settle here and trigger sneezing, red, itchy eyes and other allergic reactions. Either clean them yourself (if you're not prone to allergies), or call a professional to do the job. The frequency of these cleanings will depend on such factors as whether or not you own pets, whether anyone in your home smokes and the general state of your home with respect to mold and dust accumulation.

If your home is carpeted, vacuum it often; pollutants settle in its fibres. You'll also want to have your carpet professional cleaned on an occasional basis. If you're in the market for a new floor, opt for wood, tile or vinyl if your budget and/or personal tastes allow.

While we may not be able to control smog, traffic congestion, smoke stacks and other outdoor pollution promoters, we can do something about the pollution that makes us miserable inside our homes. With a few easy measures -- most of which we can initiate without the help of a professional -- we can make our homes a source of respiratory relief at the end of each day.

Published: February 18, 1999

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