36 THE QUEENS COURIER • WELLNESS • JULY 20, 2017 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
wellness
Allergens and indoor air quality:
4 steps to a healthier home
When at home, you’re probably relaxing,
playing with the kids or tackling
chores. What you aren’t likely doing is
thinking about the air you’re breathing.
Unfortunately, the reality is poor indoor
air quality in residential spaces is a major
problem.
Th e United States Consumer Product
Safety Commission points to a growing
body of scientifi c evidence that the
air within homes can be more polluted
than the outdoor air in large, industrialized
cities. In fact, EPA (Environmental
Protection Agency) studies found levels
of about a dozen common organic
pollutants to be two to fi ve times higher
inside homes than outside, regardless
if the home is in rural or industrial areas.
While you can’t control the allergens
and pollutants lurking outside, there are
many ways to take action inside the home
to improve your indoor air quality. From
installing BEAM central vacuum systems
to implementing smart moisture mitigation
strategies, follow these four steps and
breathe easier at home:
Step 1: Eliminate dust mites
Dust mites can be prevalent, especially
in bedroom spaces. Wash all sheets,
blankets, pillowcases and bed covers in
hot water that is at least 130 degrees F.
to kill dust mites and remove allergens,
notes the Mayo Clinic. If bedding can’t
be washed in hot water, put items in the
dryer for at least 15 minutes at a temperature
above 130 degrees F.
To further prevent mites in sleeping
spaces, use dust-proof or allergen-blocking
covers on mattresses, box springs and
pillows. If you have kids, don’t forget to
wash stuff ed animals regularly in order
to sanitize.
Step 2: Vacuum smarter
One of the easiest things you can do
to improve indoor air quality is to vacuum
thoroughly and regularly on all levels.
However, traditional vacuums are heavy
and diffi cult to move to diff erent fl oors.
Furthermore, they can kick up more dust
into the air than they are removing. Due
to these concerns, many homeowners are
considering the benefi ts of central vacuum
systems.
For example, BEAM central vacuums
remove air, dirt and dust vacuumed from
the home, whereas conventional vacuums
may fi lter dirt and dust but recirculate
the same air via the exhaust back into
the home. BEAM Central vacuum maintenance
is easy because the units have a
self-cleaning fi lter that helps improve air
quality during the vacuuming process.
How do central vacuums work? Th ese
systems have one permanent, hidden
power unit with inlets in walls throughout
the home that attach to power hoses
and accessories. BEAM central vacuum
systems are engineered with motors that
provide powerful suction for a deeper
clean; however, with the power unit located
away from the living area, the quiet
hush of airfl ow is all you will hear.
Step 3: Freshen air wisely
Open windows aren’t always the best
way to bring in fresh air. When pollen
levels are high, the spores can come into
a home and stick to every surface. On
high-allergen days, refresh air and cool
the home with fans or the air conditioner,
and clean preferably with a central vacuum
to maintain high indoor air quality.
As an additional line of defense against
dust mite debris and allergens, you should
use a HEPA (high effi ciency particulate
air) fi lter with your central furnace
and air conditioning unit, according to
the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of
America. If that’s too costly, the EPA
says fi lters with a MERV (minimum effi -
ciency reporting value) between 7 and 13
are likely to be nearly as eff ective as true
HEPA fi lters at controlling most airborne
indoor particles. No matter which you
use, try to change the fi lter every three
months.
Step 4: Mitigate moisture
Mold thrives in dark, damp climates,
so it’s important to eliminate places for
growth. To start, be aware of moisture
levels throughout the home. Always use
the bathroom exhaust fan to inhibit moisture
buildup. Fix leaky faucets as quickly
as possible and stay on top of maintenance
for appliances like the refrigerator
and air conditioner.
Additionally, consider using a dehumidifi
er to decrease the amount of moisture
inside the home. Th is can be particularly
important during rainy seasons or
in basement or cellar spaces, if your home
has them.
You can breathe easy with these four
easy steps to better indoor air quality. To
learn more about a healthy, clean home,
visit www.buybeam.com.
Courtesy BPT