The return of cooler weather brings back autumn's yearly traditions: turning back the clocks, raking fallen leaves, and closing up doors and windows as we prepare to spend more time indoors during the winter.
When it comes to our homes, there are many things to consider
as the mercury drops, from weatherproofing doors and windows to
replacing furnace filters and general maintenance to keep out
cold drafts. While these activities can save us a few dollars
in energy costs, they can also result in reduced fresh airflow
through the house, leading to poorer indoor air quality.
"The health of our lungs plays a large part in our overall
state of health," says Lyndon Madden, marketing manager for
Electrolux Home Care Products Canada. "Many people have
concerns about outdoor air quality and the effects of pollution
on their health, but few of us take the time to think about the
quality of the air in our homes, which is just as
important."
According to studies by Health Canada and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can be
significantly more polluted than outdoor air.
The average Canadian spends close to 90 percent of their time
indoors, making indoor air pollution a serious health
concern.
In Canada, the Lung Association works with partners including
Beam Canada, a division of Electrolux Home Care Products
Canada, to help Canadians understand and eliminate indoor
pollutants. The Lung Association divides indoor air pollutants
into two categories: biological and chemical. Biological
pollutants such as dust mites, pet dander and pests can easily
be removed with a regular cleaning routine that includes
vacuuming.
Indoor air quality can be greatly improved with the use of a
vacuum that has a sealed HEPA filter, or ideally, a central
vacuum system.
A central vacuum system takes dirt and dust off the floors and
from the air, out of the room, through a hose system in the
wall and into a sealed canister located in the garage or
basement, ensuring that virtually no pollutants escape the
vacuum.
The Lung Association classifies air-freshening sprays,
pesticides and gas appliances that can emit harmful gases as
chemical pollutants.
For further tips on how to improve the air quality in your
home, visit
www.yourhealthyhome.ca
.
