What does cleaner air mean for your family?
You might be surprised by some of the information about the air you breathe inside your home. Here are some clean air facts you may not know.
The Risk and who is affected in South Carolina:
- The EPA ranks indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health.
- EPA studies indicate that indoor levels of many pollutants may be 25 times, and occasionally more than 100 times, higher than outdoor levels. In general, indoor air is four to five times more polluted than outdoor air.
- More than 15 million Americans are estimated to have asthma, including one-in-13 school-age children.
- In the last 30 years, the number of people with asthma has gone up by almost 60%.
- 87% of American homeowners are not aware that pollution may be worse inside their homes than outdoors.
- The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 30% of newly constructed and remodeled facilities have indoor air quality problems.
- Because they breathe faster than adults, children inhale 50% more air per pound of body weight than adults and are especially sensitive to air quality problems.
- Over 28 million Americans suffer from hay fever and other allergies.
- According to a study by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, indoor air contaminants are responsible for half of all illnesses.
Sources:
- Tobacco smoke actually contains over 4,000 compounds, many of which are strong irritants.
- Many ordinary activities such as cooking, cleaning and redecorating can spread indoor pollutants.
- Most homes generate about 40 pounds of dust per year for every 1,500 square feet of space.
- About 40,000 dust mites, a common cause of household allergies, can be found in only one ounce of dust.
- Even a spotless home can allow indoor pollutants to flourish. Bathrooms, damp basements, and even carpets and furniture are often the prime cause.
- Flowers are a source of pollen, but trees are the main culprits for allergy sufferers. Many trees, such as birch, alder and pine trees, rely on the wind instead of insects to distribute their pollen.
- Exposure to indoor air pollutants has increased due to a variety of factors, including the increased use of synthetic building materials and furnishings, chemically formulated personal care products, and household cleaners.
- Most homes built after 1979 have tighter insulation wraps that trap smoke, odors and other irritants indoors.
- It is suggested we drink approximately two quarts of clean water each day. By comparison, we inhale approximately 15,000 quarts of air each day.
What Can You Do:
The Honeywell Electronic Air Cleaner is an advanced and easy-to-use, whole-house solution that traps and filters up to 98% of pollutants from the air passing through your heating and cooling system. This advanced air cleaner captures microscopic impurities like dust, smoke and smog particles in addition to larger particles like mold spores and cat dander. It works by placing an electric charge on airborne particles, and then collecting the charged pollutants like a magnet. Plus, you can say goodbye to monthly filter replacements by simply washing the air cleaner cells in your dishwasher or sink.
