Indoor Air Quality      Did you know that inside air can be two to five times more polluted than outside air—even as much as 100 times more polluted?  The problem is so pervasive that, according to the EPA indoor air pollution is one of the top five environmental risks to public health.      The health effects are both short and long term.  Headaches, dizziness, fatigue and eye, nose or throat irritation can occur after a single air pollution exposure.  Other conditions such as respiratory disease, heart disease, and cancer may occur with extended or repeated exposure.      And nearly every aspect of home life can potentially generate indoor air pollutants.      Bathrooms, kitchens, and basements can be havens for mold, mildew, bacteria, and viruses if dampness issues aren’t properly addressed.  Opening the front door in the Fall lets in fresh air, but also introduces spores, pollen loads, dust, pesticides, and herbicides.      Even household cooking and cleaning contaminate your indoor air.      Coughing, sneezing, frequent respiratory illness or irritation, and burning or watering eyes are a few of the symptoms that may indicate poor indoor air quality.  Other signs include: Home has an attached garage Home smells or feels  “stuffy”  or  “stale” Metallic taste in the mouth when the heating system runs Furnace or fireplace fumes Home feels cool and clammy Static electricity in winter (dryness); dampness in summer (humidity) “Sweating” windows      What can you do?  The good news about indoor air pollution is homeowners can take control.      You can reduce particulates by dusting often with a damp cloth and using a high efficiency or HEPA-rated vacuum system for floors and carpets.  Using window coverings made of wood or other washable materials and keeping relative humidity between 30-50% are other effective steps.      Servicing or upgrading a home’s heating, cooling, ventilation and humidification-dehumidification systems can also greatly reduce indoor air pollution levels.      As you take steps to improve your home environment, you can also get an accurate report of the indoor air problems you may be facing.  The Air Advice Indoor Air Analysis takes the guesswork out of identifying IAQ problems.  I will be happy to test the indoor air quality in you home using the patented Air Advice system.      To schedule a simple, easy Air Advice Indoor Air Analysis and start breathing easier right away, just give me a call.