FAIRFAX, Va., May 25, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Cleaning indoor air should top
the spring to do list, especially for those with asthma, a U.S. allergy and
asthma group says.
Members of Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics say even though the
weather is nice, most people spend most of their time indoors -- as much as 90
percent -- the Environmental Protection Agency said.
For those with allergies or asthma, having clean indoor air, even in the
summertime, is crucial to managing symptoms. A free guide -- Indoor AIRepair at
Home -- can be downloaded from the group's Web site www.aanma.org/publication.
Making a home a no-smoking zone and using a basement dehumidifier can help keep
air clean. To rid the home of respiratory irritants the group advises to:
-- Search around sinks, tubs showers, windowsills and in laundry areas for signs
of dampness and mold. Track the source of water, plug it up and clean up visible
mold.
-- Getting a High Efficiency Particulate Air vacuum. These vacuums have special
filters that keep dust and allergens from blowing back into the air.
-- Replacing HVAC -- heating, ventilating and air conditioning -- system filters
before air-conditioning season. Since these filters are designed to keep dust
and debris from clogging parts of the system it may be a good idea to look into
a high-efficiency filter or an air-cleaning unit.
URL: www.upi.com
Copyright 2009 by United Press International