(TNS)—October is National Indoor Air Quality Month, so I thought I would share a few thoughts from Broan Nu-Tone, a manufacturer of home-ventilation products.
Of course, it’s a good idea to spend the entire year in a clean-air environment. For those with allergies, that’s especially true.
A member of my family once had a violent reaction to packaging in which some kitchen cabinets arrived. We believe the adverse reaction was chemical-based, so it’s good to keep track of those levels.
Broan-NuTone’s advice:
When you use household cleaners, be mindful of harmful chemicals that circulate into the air you breathe. To be safe, open a window during and after using these products.
Keep humidity levels (and potential mold and mildew) in check, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens, where moisture builds up throughout the year.
Test the effectiveness of a fan by holding a piece of tissue paper near it. If the fan is removing air properly, the paper will be drawn against the grill and remain there as long as the fan is on.
Clear kitchen air after cooking and cleaning. The kitchen is a key source of indoor air pollution, especially with a gas stove, so make sure to use a range hood with an exhaust fan to remove the pollutants created from cooking and preparing meals.
Take care to keep dust and debris at bay. Dust is basically shed skin cells and pet dander. Dust mites feed on those particles and tend to thrive in bedrooms on linens and blankets. Wash linens often in very hot water and replace pillows regularly, or cover existing pillows with antiallergenic covers.
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