Open your windows!

Do you know that indoor air quality is so much more unhealthy to the average American than outdoor air quality - even in Los Angeles!

Studies by the Indoor Air Quality Association have shown that most people spend 90% of their time in indoor environments. Indoor air quality (IAQ) issues impact the lives of people across the globe. Problems with poor air quality in buildings and homes can result in health concerns, liability issue, lost productivity, and decreased property values. Here are some causes of IAQ according to the Environmental Protection Agency's website:

Asbestos
Biological Pollutants
Carbon Monoxide
Formaldehyde/Pressed Wood Products
Household Cleaning and Maintenance, Personal Care, or Hobbies
Lead
Nitrogen Dioxide
Pesticides
Radon
Respirable Particles
Secondhand Smoke/Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Stoves, Heaters, Fireplaces, and Chimneys

So, how can you reduce the negative impact of poor IAQ? Here are some quick tips:

• Choose low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints, varnishes, and finishes -easily available at any hardware or home improvement store
• Choose furniture and carpeting that does not produce harmful "off gassing". Often, pressed woods and particle boards are made with harmful chemicals.
• Properly ventilate your home, have working clean exhaust fans, and in nice weather, keep windows open to encourage outdoor air to come in.
• For most indoor air quality problems in the home, source control is the most effective solution. So if you can find the source of the issue and deal with it, do so. Some of the most common indoor asthma triggers include secondhand smoke, dust mites, mold, cockroaches and other pests, household pets, and combustion byproducts.

There are certified Indoor Air Quality specialists you can hire to assess your particular situation. Go to: http://www.iaqcouncil.org/ for resources on this.

Go go outside and breathe....