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DID YOU KNOW THE AIR INSIDE YOUR HOME MAY BE EVEN MORE POLLUTED THAN OUTDOOR AIR? M any people view their homes as safe havens from airborne irritants such as pesticides, pollen and mold spores. But levels of indoor air pollutants can be two to ve times higher than the impurities circulating in outdoor air, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Mold, dust, pet dander and fumes from household cleaners are among the year-round contaminants that can taint indoor air. Accidentally tracking seasonal pollen spores inside on your shoes and clothing can also lead to poor air quality. Inhaling these irritants may cause headaches, fatigue and cold-like symptoms, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Prolonged exposure to toxins, such as cigarette smoke, can lead to even more serious concerns, including lung cancer. EASIER BREATHING AHEAD You shouldn't rely on air puriers to "clean" the air inside your home. Instead, target specic irritants with these four air-purifying strategies: 1. Stop mold at its source. A common allergy-and-asthma trigger, mold thrives in damp attics, basements, garages and bathrooms. Watch for damp carpets, leaky pipes and other sources of indoor moisture, and quickly x leaks. In addition, use a dehumidier and/or overhead fans to make sure indoor humidity levels stay between 40 and 50 percent. Minimizing humidity also helps control dust mites. 2. Keep your home smoke free. Secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals—at least 70 of which have been linked to cancer—according to the American Cancer Society. Exposure to secondhand smoke during adulthood may increase a person's risk of lung cancer, heart attack and stroke. Kids who are exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to develop asthma and may get sick more frequently than those who are not exposed. 3. Vacuum and dust frequently. If you share your home with a pet or someone aected by allergies and/or asthma, vacuum carpets at least twice weekly. 4. Choose gentler cleaners. You don't have to use bleach and other harsh cleaners to kill mold and bacteria. e American Lung Association recommends scrubbing mold-prone areas with a mixture of warm water and detergent. to C lea r t he I€' Tim AIR What About YOUR HOME'S AIR DUCTS? Unless your air ducts contain mold or are packed with dust, insects or rodent droppings, you probably don't need to have them cleaned, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Instead, invest in regular maintenance. Service your heating, air conditioning and ventilation system annually, and change the air filters according to the system's manufacturer recommendations. D• som sprin cleanin fo• ‡ healthie• hom. connections | SPR I NG 2016 14 whs.org