Indoor Air Quality and Health - How One Impacts the Other

Maintaining a healthy home means promoting a healthy lifestyle. But Americans aren't aware of the important role indoor air quality plays in creating a healthy home. In fact, nearly half of Americans (49%) believe indoor air quality has little to no impact on overall health, according to an online 2010 indoor air quality consumer survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Dow Building Solutions.
The truth is that improved indoor air quality can lead to a healthier lifestyle for you and your family. The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to improve the air quality in your home and your overall quality of life. If you are remodeling or building your home, there are several changes that can minimize contaminants and improve the air you breathe inside your home.
"Americans spend an estimated 90 percent of their lives indoors. Dow wants to be a part of the movement to make that environment as healthy as possible," said Theresa Binder, Dow Environmental Health & Safety Specialist. "There are many ways Americans can be proactive about keeping their families healthy while indoors. Education is the first step."

According to the study, Americans are more likely to improve air quality by making temporary changes—cleaning carpets, using cleaning products that promise to reduce pollutants and cleaning and/or disinfecting ducts. However, there are things that can have a longer lasting affect such as:

-Keeping your house mold-free. Mold spores produce allergens that can trigger asthma attacks and cause sneezing, runny nose and red eyes.

-Using safer building materials such as stainless steel, tile, adobe and insulation without added formaldehydes.

-Keeping your home free of radon. The colorless, odorless gas can cause lung cancer. Ensure your home is properly insulated to prevent leaks.

For more information, visit www.imaginehomehealth.com.