{"id":18690,"date":"2023-06-29T12:27:58","date_gmt":"2023-06-29T16:27:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iseai.org\/?p=18690"},"modified":"2023-07-03T15:12:01","modified_gmt":"2023-07-03T19:12:01","slug":"clean-indoor-air-on-a-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iseai.org\/clean-indoor-air-on-a-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"Clean Indoor Air on a Budget"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1040px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><h5><em>Helpful Tips for Chronically Ill Patients<\/em><\/h5>\n<div id=\"attachment_18692\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-18692\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-18692 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-3wylDrjxH-E-unsplash-1024x762.jpg\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-3wylDrjxH-E-unsplash-1024x762.jpg\" alt=\"home with good indoor air quality\" width=\"1024\" height=\"762\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271024%27%20height%3D%27762%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%201024%20762%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%271024%27%20height%3D%27762%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-3wylDrjxH-E-unsplash-200x149.jpg 200w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-3wylDrjxH-E-unsplash-300x223.jpg 300w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-3wylDrjxH-E-unsplash-400x298.jpg 400w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-3wylDrjxH-E-unsplash-500x372.jpg 500w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-3wylDrjxH-E-unsplash-600x446.jpg 600w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-3wylDrjxH-E-unsplash-700x521.jpg 700w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-3wylDrjxH-E-unsplash-768x571.jpg 768w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-3wylDrjxH-E-unsplash-800x595.jpg 800w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-3wylDrjxH-E-unsplash-1024x762.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-3wylDrjxH-E-unsplash-1200x893.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-3wylDrjxH-E-unsplash-1536x1142.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-3wylDrjxH-E-unsplash.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-18692\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span style=\"font-size: 8pt;\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@patrickperkins?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Patrick Perkins<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@patrickperkins?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Unsplash<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indoor air is often less healthy than outdoor air <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and it can affect your health in several ways [<a href=\"#references\">1<\/a>]. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This may be especially true for chronically ill people and those with environmental sensitivities or environmentally acquired illness. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below is our compilation of budget friendly tips for maintaining healthy indoor air quality for sensitive, environmentally-ill people. If you have questions, <a href=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/contact\/\">contact us<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Jump to topic:<br \/>\n<\/strong><a href=\"#cleaning\">Cleaning<\/a><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><a href=\"#maintenance\">Maintenance<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#ventilation\">Ventilation<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#filtration\">Filtration<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#more\">More<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling fusion-animated\" style=\"--awb-border-sizes-top:1px;--awb-border-sizes-bottom:1px;--awb-border-sizes-left:1px;--awb-border-sizes-right:1px;--awb-border-radius-top-left:10px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:10px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:10px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:10px;--awb-overflow:hidden;--awb-background-color:rgba(0,85,122,0.03);--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" data-animationType=\"slideInUp\" data-animationDuration=\"0.3\" data-animationOffset=\"top-into-view\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1040px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:10px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\" data-motion-effects=\"[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;scroll_type&quot;:&quot;transition&quot;,&quot;scroll_direction&quot;:&quot;up&quot;,&quot;transition_speed&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;fade_type&quot;:&quot;in&quot;,&quot;scale_type&quot;:&quot;up&quot;,&quot;initial_scale&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;max_scale&quot;:&quot;1.5&quot;,&quot;min_scale&quot;:&quot;0.5&quot;,&quot;initial_rotate&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;end_rotate&quot;:&quot;30&quot;,&quot;initial_blur&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;end_blur&quot;:&quot;3&quot;,&quot;start_element&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;start_viewport&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;end_element&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;end_viewport&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;mouse_effect&quot;:&quot;track&quot;,&quot;mouse_effect_direction&quot;:&quot;opposite&quot;,&quot;mouse_effect_speed&quot;:&quot;2&quot;,&quot;infinite_animation&quot;:&quot;float&quot;,&quot;infinite_animation_speed&quot;:&quot;2&quot;}]\" data-scroll-devices=\"small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2 fusion-text-no-margin\" style=\"--awb-margin-top:20px;--awb-margin-right:20px;--awb-margin-bottom:20px;--awb-margin-left:20px;\"><p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><b>Disclaimer: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of <em>the most effective<\/em> ways to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate individual <em>sources<\/em> of pollution\/exposure or to reduce emissions. This article mostly focuses on simple steps like cleaning, b<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ut this will not \u2018fix\u2019 exposures in your home like hidden mold, which can cause or complicate a variety of chronic illnesses.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt;\">Please see the <a href=\"#damp_buildings\">Damp Buildings and Other Exposures<\/a> section to learn how you can make a plan to eliminate or reduce individual exposure <em>sources<\/em>. The EPA&#8217;s very complete <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/indoor-air-quality-iaq\/inside-story-guide-indoor-air-quality\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Guide to Indoor Air Quality<\/a> is another option if you want to dig further into specific exposures like radon, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-3 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1040px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-2 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:30px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\"><h3 id=\"cleaning\"><b>ISEAI\u2019s tips for maintaining your indoor air quality<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>First, consider a <a href=\"#damp_buildings\">plan<\/a> to handle major sources of exposure, such as mold.<\/p>\n<p>Next, follow these tips:<\/p>\n<h4>1 &#8211; Clean your home regularly and thoroughly<\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get in the habit of cleaning floors and flat surfaces in your home on a regular basis (at least weekly) and decluttering. This step alone can have a major impact on the health of your home as heavier particles like large pieces of dust and pollen tend to fall to the ground. Think about doing a deeper clean every 6 months.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_18763\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-18763\" class=\"lazyload size-large wp-image-18763\" src=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/tim-mossholder-4uiRSSp6gKg-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/tim-mossholder-4uiRSSp6gKg-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"sweeping with a broom\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271024%27%20height%3D%27683%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%201024%20683%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%271024%27%20height%3D%27683%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/tim-mossholder-4uiRSSp6gKg-unsplash-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/tim-mossholder-4uiRSSp6gKg-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/tim-mossholder-4uiRSSp6gKg-unsplash-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/tim-mossholder-4uiRSSp6gKg-unsplash-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/tim-mossholder-4uiRSSp6gKg-unsplash-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/tim-mossholder-4uiRSSp6gKg-unsplash-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/tim-mossholder-4uiRSSp6gKg-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/tim-mossholder-4uiRSSp6gKg-unsplash-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/tim-mossholder-4uiRSSp6gKg-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/tim-mossholder-4uiRSSp6gKg-unsplash-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/tim-mossholder-4uiRSSp6gKg-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-18763\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span style=\"font-size: 8pt;\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@timmossholder?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Tim Mossholder<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/s\/photos\/broom?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Unsplash<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<p><b>Tips for sensitive people:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have someone else (family member, friend) focus on the cleaning, and come back afterwards.<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is especially true if you have physical limitations and\/or sensitivities to dust, chemicals, etc.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wear an N95 mask during and after cleaning<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Air out the home after cleaning, especially after vacuuming. Also see the \u201cVentilation\u201d tips further below. Open windows for 10 minutes, assuming a dry and low dust day, then run a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and\/or the HVAC fan afterwards.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>What do I clean with?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typically you don\u2019t need to use any harsh cleaning chemicals. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead, focus on <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">physically removing<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> buildup of dust, etc, using natural products and simple methods.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><i>Don\u2019t focus on chemical cleaning products that \u201csmell good\u201d since <\/i><i>\u201cclean\u201d isn\u2019t defined by a certain smell, but more of a lack of one<\/i><i>.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><b>Natural cleaning product suggestions:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water with a dab of dish soap (free and clear, fragrance free, or unscented)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vinegar (f<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">or hard-to-clean messes like stovetop, oven, etc, try vinegar with baking soda)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drains: Use a long cleaning brush, try vinegar with baking soda<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a more potent option, hydrogen peroxide (use medical-grade 3%) is a good alternative to bleach; use caution on porous or sensitive surfaces and use in a well-ventilated area while wearing gloves<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note: Some cleaning products, including those with chlorine and ammonia, contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Note that mixing chlorine and ammonia should never be done as it creates toxic gases called chloramines. Some paints, shellacs, and floor polishes may also contain VOCs. The compounds then go into the air as gasses. If you do want to use a commercial cleaning product look for \u201clow\/no VOCs\u201d but be wary of \u201cgreen\u201d claims and research products thoroughly &#8211; honor your sensitivities.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><b>Cleaning floors<br \/>\n<\/b><\/p>\n<p>A broom and dustpan is an inexpensive starting point, and highly effective for removing larger debris from hard floors. Don\u2019t overlook this simple option. A more effective initial removal of larger debris\/dust would be a HEPA vacuum. Sensitive patients may react to either one of these cleaning methods, in which case personal protective equipment or someone else&#8217;s help may be needed.<\/p>\n<p>Carpets\/rugs:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vacuum regularly. S<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ome vacuums have \u201ctrue HEPA filters\u201d &#8211; more on this topic below &#8211; and leak less air, so consider researching those the next time you need to purchase a vacuum. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also take area rugs outside and beat them with a stick prior to vacuuming. Wear gloves and a mask.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hard flooring:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mop (two sided washable microfiber fabric versions are a nice option)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vacuum (on \u201chard floor\u201d setting if available)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry Swiffer cloths &#8211; these are <em>great<\/em> at picking up the smallest dust (made of millions of tiny polyester fibers, dry Swiffer cloths are designed to use static electricity to pick up tiny pieces of dust). Suggested as a finishing step.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>What about my pets? <\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bathe\/groom your pet regularly, if possible. If difficult to bathe, regularly wiping gently but thoroughly with a Swiffer cloth can be a helpful step. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep your pet out of bed\/bedroom, if possible (especially heavy shedders).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Are dust mites an issue in my home?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dust mites are very small, insect-like pests that feed on dead human skin cells and thrive in warm, humid settings. You may be allergic or sensitive to them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tip: Wash sheets and bedding regularly. You may want to consider purchasing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aller-ease.com\/mattress-pillow-protectors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Allerease<\/a> mattress and pillow protectors (or similar).<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><b>Monitor humidity levels<br \/>\n<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Maintain reasonable humidity levels (approx. 30-50%, especially when considering mold exposure), understanding that weather varies and your region has certain patterns. This will help limit mold growth, dust mites, etc.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=hygrometer&amp;crid=1DICXLXO50MJX&amp;sprefix=hygrometer%2Caps%2C141&amp;ref=nb_sb_noss_2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$10 \u201chygrometers\u201d on Amazon<\/span><\/a> with a<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0digital readout of current and ongoing humidity levels<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Running your HVAC system during times of high heat and humidity is one simple way to maintain humidity levels<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another is to purchase a dedicated dehumidifier (either portable, or added onto HVAC system)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><div id=\"attachment_18727\" style=\"width: 609px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-18727\" class=\"lazyload size-full wp-image-18727\" src=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/relative-humidity.png\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/relative-humidity.png\" alt=\"optimum relative humidity range for minimizing health effects\" width=\"599\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%27599%27%20height%3D%27402%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%20599%20402%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%27599%27%20height%3D%27402%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/relative-humidity-200x134.png 200w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/relative-humidity-300x201.png 300w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/relative-humidity-400x268.png 400w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/relative-humidity-500x336.png 500w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/relative-humidity.png 599w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 599px) 100vw, 599px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-18727\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span style=\"font-size: 8pt;\">Optimum relative humidity range for minimizing health effects. Source <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1474709\/?page=8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PMC1474709<\/a>.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:40px;margin-bottom:40px;width:100%;\" id=\"maintenance\"><div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-single sep-dotted\" style=\"--awb-height:20px;--awb-amount:20px;border-color:#c1bfbf;border-top-width:1px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<h3>2 &#8211; Maintain your home<\/h3>\n<p>Regular home maintenance can improve your indoor air quality and save you money in the long run.<\/p>\n<p><b>Air Conditioner\/Heater (HVAC)<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><\/b>Schedule regular professional maintenance to keep your HVAC system in tip-top shape and use less energy. Ask your technician what steps your maintenance will include (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/home-improvement\/hvac\/hvac-maintenance-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">more tips here<\/a>) and what the best schedule is (before Fall and Spring, or once a year). Having a professional technician clean and tune your system regularly can help you avoid costly repairs and improve your system\u2019s efficiency.<\/p>\n<p><b>Preventative HVAC maintenance<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><\/b>Changing the \u201cfurnace filter\u201d regularly with a high quality option is a great idea and can deliver a massive \u201cbang for your buck\u201d because dirty filters can decrease system performance as well as re-introduce contaminants into the air. HVAC systems vary, so follow manufacturer suggestions, talk to your HVAC professional, and regularly inspect your filter.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_18729\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-18729\" class=\"lazyload size-large wp-image-18729\" src=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/replace-furnace-filter-1024x684.png\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/replace-furnace-filter-1024x684.png\" alt=\"HVAC furnace filter replacement\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271024%27%20height%3D%27684%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%201024%20684%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%271024%27%20height%3D%27684%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/replace-furnace-filter-200x134.png 200w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/replace-furnace-filter-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/replace-furnace-filter-400x267.png 400w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/replace-furnace-filter-500x334.png 500w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/replace-furnace-filter-600x401.png 600w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/replace-furnace-filter-700x468.png 700w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/replace-furnace-filter-768x513.png 768w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/replace-furnace-filter-800x535.png 800w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/replace-furnace-filter-1024x684.png 1024w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/replace-furnace-filter-1200x802.png 1200w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/replace-furnace-filter.png 1435w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-18729\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span style=\"font-size: 8pt;\">HVAC furnace filter replacement. Source Bigstock.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suggestions for replacement filters: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sensitive individuals may want to have someone else replace the filter. Wear gloves, a mask, and bag the old filter immediately and discard. Write the date on a new filter and install, then wash hands.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For large standard filters look for \u201chigh\u201d MERV ratings (8-13) [<a href=\"#references\">3<\/a>] if possible. See the EPA\u2019s <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/indoor-air-quality-iaq\/what-merv-rating\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cWhat is a MERV rating\u201d<\/a><\/em> and<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.filtrete.com\/3M\/en_US\/filtrete\/about-us\/mpr-vs-merv\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Filtrete&#8217;s guide<\/a> to MPR vs MERV. Ductless mini split, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/homekeeping\/house-cleaning\/tips\/how-to-clean-window-ac-unit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">window AC units<\/a> and other systems may have different requirements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before any purchase talk to your HVAC professional to make sure your system can handle higher rated filters (some units may be able to handle up to MERV 16, but don\u2019t assume yours can, as this may damage your HVAC system). <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may want to order filters in bulk to save money.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One option is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nordicpure.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nordic Pure AC &amp; Furnace Filters<\/span><\/a> with an <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">option for a layer of carbon to further minimize odors<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>HVAC tips for apartment living<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the HVAC filter is changed by maintenance staff, ask if it can be changed regularly (or ask if you can supply your own). If the HVAC unit is accessible, look at the filter on a regular basis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask what the maintenance schedule is for the HVAC system and follow up to make sure the schedule is followed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Store chemicals safely<\/b><\/p>\n<p>First, limit the number of chemical products you have in or near your home. Focus on storage and use of paints, adhesives, solvents and pesticides in well ventilated areas away from your living space if possible. Do not store chemicals near your air handler. Ensure that chemicals are tightly sealed such that they do not have an odor. If you can smell the chemicals, they are affecting your air quality.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Other maintenance<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Cleaning your refrigerator coils, dryer vent, and bathroom fans should also be on your list. For a longer list of seasonal home maintenance tasks see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.myfrugalhome.com\/seasonal-home-maintenance-checklist\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><b>Home renovation supplies<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Looking for healthier paints\/stains, flooring and other non-toxic building supplies, or want to lower your EMF exposure? Here are some resources:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenbuildingsupply.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Green Building Supply<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thegreendesigncenter.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Green Design Center<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Andrew Pace has a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thegreendesigncenter.com\/non-toxic-environments\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Non-Toxic Environments podcast<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, was interviewed by ISEAI Treasurer and IEP Committee Co-Chair Michael Schrantz, CIEC about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thegreendesigncenter.com\/non-toxic-environments\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chemical Sensitivity Considerations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and offers <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thegreendesigncenter.com\/consultation-services\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">remote consultations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/safelivingtechnologies.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safe Living Technologies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provides knowledge and technology to help create a safe living and working environment with less EMF exposure.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i id=\"ventilation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tip: Be wary of \u201cgreen\u201d claims made by manufacturers and research products thoroughly. Ask about return policies in case you react to a product.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:40px;margin-bottom:40px;width:100%;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-single sep-dotted\" style=\"--awb-height:20px;--awb-amount:20px;border-color:#c1bfbf;border-top-width:1px;\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h3>3 &#8211; Ventilation<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the outdoor air quality and weather is reasonable you might want to ventilate regularly. This <em>dilutes the indoor air<\/em> and often makes it healthier. One solution to pollution is dilution.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_18734\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-18734\" class=\"lazyload size-large wp-image-18734\" src=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/isaiah-bekkers-Fc7hOSm1LhI-unsplash-1024x576.jpg\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/isaiah-bekkers-Fc7hOSm1LhI-unsplash-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"open windows to ventilate\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271024%27%20height%3D%27576%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%201024%20576%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%271024%27%20height%3D%27576%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/isaiah-bekkers-Fc7hOSm1LhI-unsplash-200x112.jpg 200w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/isaiah-bekkers-Fc7hOSm1LhI-unsplash-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/isaiah-bekkers-Fc7hOSm1LhI-unsplash-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/isaiah-bekkers-Fc7hOSm1LhI-unsplash-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/isaiah-bekkers-Fc7hOSm1LhI-unsplash-600x337.jpg 600w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/isaiah-bekkers-Fc7hOSm1LhI-unsplash-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/isaiah-bekkers-Fc7hOSm1LhI-unsplash-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/isaiah-bekkers-Fc7hOSm1LhI-unsplash-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/isaiah-bekkers-Fc7hOSm1LhI-unsplash-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/isaiah-bekkers-Fc7hOSm1LhI-unsplash-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/isaiah-bekkers-Fc7hOSm1LhI-unsplash-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-18734\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span style=\"font-size: 8pt;\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/it\/@i_bekkers?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Isaiah Bekkers<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/wallpapers\/desktop\/windows?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Unsplash<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<p><b>Easy ways to ventilate your home:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open windows<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Run a bathroom fan that exhausts to the outdoors. This can help circulate air through the home.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><em>Advanced: Some HVAC systems have \u201cmechanical ventilation\u201d\u00a0 which pulls outdoor air in, filters it, and distributes it throughout a building. This is often more common in commercial settings, so you may want to ask about it at your workplace.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Ventilate while cooking:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul id=\"filtration\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Run the range\/hood fan if you have one, and\/or leave the kitchen window open a bit if the weather and outdoor air quality allows. This will help avoid nitrogen dioxide buildup from gas ranges, and will dilute cooking fumes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, if possible, use stainless steel (or other healthy) cookware and avoid using plastic cooking utensils. Store leftovers and bulk food in glass containers.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:40px;margin-bottom:40px;width:100%;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-single sep-dotted\" style=\"--awb-height:20px;--awb-amount:20px;border-color:#c1bfbf;border-top-width:1px;\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h3>4 &#8211; Filter your air<\/h3>\n<p>Aside from cleaning your home regularly, keeping it maintained, and focusing on ventilation, <em>filtering<\/em> your air can have a major impact on your indoor air quality.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_18765\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-18765\" class=\"lazyload size-large wp-image-18765\" src=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-G3qlZQXsBOE-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-G3qlZQXsBOE-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"filter your indoor air\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271024%27%20height%3D%27683%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%201024%20683%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%271024%27%20height%3D%27683%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-G3qlZQXsBOE-unsplash-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-G3qlZQXsBOE-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-G3qlZQXsBOE-unsplash-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-G3qlZQXsBOE-unsplash-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-G3qlZQXsBOE-unsplash-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-G3qlZQXsBOE-unsplash-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-G3qlZQXsBOE-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-G3qlZQXsBOE-unsplash-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-G3qlZQXsBOE-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-G3qlZQXsBOE-unsplash-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-G3qlZQXsBOE-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-18765\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span style=\"font-size: 8pt;\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@patrickperkins?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Patrick Perkins<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@patrickperkins?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Unsplash<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<p><b>HVAC system<\/b><\/p>\n<p>An HVAC system potentially filters a <i>very large<\/i> amount of air each day, so your HVAC system can have a major impact on your indoor air quality &#8211; which is why it is first on our list. As mentioned above, you can inspect and change your HVAC filter on a regular basis and have regular maintenance performed.<\/p>\n<p><em>Tip: You may also want to adjust your thermostat and turn your fan to \u201ccirculate\u201d or \u201con\u201d mode more regularly, to further filter the air. Pay attention to how this makes you feel, if turning on your HVAC fan makes you feel worse, this is a clue.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><b>Portable HEPA filter<br \/>\n<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your budget allows for it, a portable HEPA filter may be a helpful addition to your bedroom (or in any area of the home you regularly occupy).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tip: An inexpensive DIY portable filter option is a box fan combined with HEPA filters; a Corsi\u2013Rosenthal Box (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=aw7fUMhNov8\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">video<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are <em>many<\/em> portable HEPA filters on the market. Be wary of marketing claims, special technologies, and high prices. Some thoughts:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may want to size up. One small unit <em>may<\/em> do a good job at filtering the air in a bedroom, but a larger unit can often do a better job.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much does it filter? You may see clean air delivery rate (CADR), which sort of a complex formula, or cubic feet per minute (CFM) which is how much air the unit processes. Typically you&#8217;ll want higher numbers and you&#8217;ll want to <em>run the fan on a high setting<\/em>.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider: Initial cost, reviews, cost of filter replacements, technical specifications, noise level, energy efficiency (look for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energystar.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Energy Star<\/a> rating), and more.<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Check the manufacturers claims for the portable HEPA filter you are interested in, as the term &#8220;HEPA&#8221; may be used loosely.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_18702\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-18702\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-18702 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/AirPollutants_web-1024x493.jpg\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/AirPollutants_web-1024x493.jpg\" alt=\"air pollutants\" width=\"1024\" height=\"493\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271024%27%20height%3D%27493%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%201024%20493%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%271024%27%20height%3D%27493%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/AirPollutants_web-200x96.jpg 200w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/AirPollutants_web-300x144.jpg 300w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/AirPollutants_web-400x193.jpg 400w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/AirPollutants_web-500x241.jpg 500w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/AirPollutants_web-600x289.jpg 600w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/AirPollutants_web-700x337.jpg 700w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/AirPollutants_web-768x370.jpg 768w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/AirPollutants_web-800x385.jpg 800w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/AirPollutants_web-1024x493.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/AirPollutants_web-1200x578.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/AirPollutants_web.jpg 1400w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-18702\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span style=\"font-size: 8pt;\">Relative size of particles. Source Consumer Reports.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HEPA explained: A HEPA air filter can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size down to 0.3 microns (far smaller than the diameter of a human hair). [<a href=\"#references\">4<\/a>] See the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/air-purifiers\/what-can-an-air-purifier-catch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Consumer Reports explanation of what air filters catch<\/a>. <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember: Dust often carries smaller particles along with it, including mold. A HEPA filter captures dust efficiently so long as the dust is within the capture zone of the unit (i.e. nearby). Operating recirculating fans may help increase removal of airborne particles.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p>Initially look for models with HEPA filters and not a lot of other bells and whistles. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.honeywellstore.com\/store\/category\/air-purifiers.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Honeywell<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blueair.com\/us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BlueAir<\/a> are a few options that can often be found on sale at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walmart.com\/search?q=honeywell+hepa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Walmart<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=honeywell+air+purifier&amp;crid=15ULFZDAT2V8O&amp;sprefix=honeywell+air+purifier%2Caps%2C146&amp;ref=nb_sb_noss_1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Amazon<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Air purification<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll find that many portable filtration units are marketed as \u201cair purifiers\u201d, but ISEAI suggests you <\/span>focus <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">initially<\/span> on models that <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">physically remove contaminants<\/span> with a HEPA filter<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, versus those that rely on \u201cpurification technologies\u201d like UV lights, ionization, ozone, PCO, etc. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>Some of those purification technologies may be touted for their ability to \u201ckill\u201d contaminants like mold but at this point we are unsure if they might produce any byproducts that could affect a sensitive person. So, \u201cpurification technologies\u201d might be something you want to explore later on, for specific reasons.<\/p>\n<p><b>Focus on your bedroom<br \/>\n<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Your body does much of its healing each night while you sleep and f<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ocusing on the quality of your bedroom\u2019s indoor air may help with your health recovery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tips: Keep your bedroom clean, uncluttered, and use a HEPA filtration unit if possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Did you know that Americans, on average, spend approximately <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">90 percent<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of their time indoors, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations? And that every day, you breathe in just over 2,000 gallons of air\u2014enough to almost fill up a normal-sized swimming pool<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[<a href=\"#references\">2<\/a>] <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That&#8217;s a lot of air.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><b>Outdoor air quality<br \/>\n<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Outdoor air inevitably makes its way indoors. It is helpful to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) which tracks ozone (smog) and particle pollution (tiny particles from factories, vehicle exhaust, soil dust, pollen, etc), as well as four other widespread air pollutants. Keeping track of the current air quality can help you take steps to protect yourself, children, and others from unhealthy levels of air pollution.<\/p>\n<p><span id=\"more\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check your local weather reports and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.airnow.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Airnow.gov<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <a href=\"https:\/\/map.purpleair.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PurpleAir<\/a> for air pollution information in your area. See the guide <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.airnow.gov\/fires\/using-airnow-during-wildfires\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using AirNow During Wildfires<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/air\/default.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CDC outdoor air quality<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> page.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:40px;margin-bottom:40px;width:100%;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-single sep-dotted\" style=\"--awb-height:20px;--awb-amount:20px;border-color:#c1bfbf;border-top-width:1px;\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h3>5 &#8211; More considerations<\/h3>\n<p><b>Workplace<br \/>\n<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Most exposure to indoor air typically occurs in private homes, with less overall exposure occurring at work or in community spaces &#8211; simply due to the large time spent at home. So the main focus of this article is keeping your home clean. However, depending on your profession, your workplace may pose both air and other contaminant exposure risks. Read about indoor quality at work through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/indoor-air-quality\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">OSHA<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Take a moment to reflect on the type of work you do and what your exposures may be and talk to your manager and advocate for healthy working conditions. See the EPA&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/indoor-air-quality-iaq\/inside-story-guide-indoor-air-quality#when-suspect\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>&#8220;What to Do if You Suspect a Problem&#8221;<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><b>Schools and dorms<br \/>\n<\/b><\/p>\n<p>From preschools through college dorm rooms and classrooms, these environments are where our children and young adults learn and grow and we want to provide them with a foundation of health.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_18745\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-18745\" class=\"lazyload size-large wp-image-18745\" src=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/kenny-eliason-zFSo6bnZJTw-unsplash-1024x637.jpg\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/kenny-eliason-zFSo6bnZJTw-unsplash-1024x637.jpg\" alt=\"school indoor air quality\" width=\"1024\" height=\"637\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271024%27%20height%3D%27637%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%201024%20637%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%271024%27%20height%3D%27637%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/kenny-eliason-zFSo6bnZJTw-unsplash-200x124.jpg 200w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/kenny-eliason-zFSo6bnZJTw-unsplash-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/kenny-eliason-zFSo6bnZJTw-unsplash-400x249.jpg 400w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/kenny-eliason-zFSo6bnZJTw-unsplash-500x311.jpg 500w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/kenny-eliason-zFSo6bnZJTw-unsplash-600x373.jpg 600w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/kenny-eliason-zFSo6bnZJTw-unsplash-700x436.jpg 700w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/kenny-eliason-zFSo6bnZJTw-unsplash-768x478.jpg 768w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/kenny-eliason-zFSo6bnZJTw-unsplash-800x498.jpg 800w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/kenny-eliason-zFSo6bnZJTw-unsplash-1024x637.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/kenny-eliason-zFSo6bnZJTw-unsplash-1200x747.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/kenny-eliason-zFSo6bnZJTw-unsplash-1536x956.jpg 1536w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-18745\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span style=\"font-size: 8pt;\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@neonbrand?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Kenny Eliason<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/s\/photos\/school?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Unsplash<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, many public schools have poor indoor environmental quality, especially in areas of lower socioeconomic status, and this negatively affects student health, attendance, and performance<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. [<a href=\"#references\">5<\/a>]\u00a0[<a href=\"#references\">6<\/a>] [<a href=\"#references\">7<\/a>]<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 2014 the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) estimated that U.S. schools needed $197 billion of investment for repairs, renovations, and modernizations, or $4.5 million per school<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. [<a href=\"#references\">8<\/a>] <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nationwide, asthma is the leading cause of absenteeism for students and education employees report the highest levels of work-related asthma in the nation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>What can you do?<\/p>\n<ul id=\"damp_buildings\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Educate yourself and other parents and discuss your concerns with school administration, your elected officials and local\/regional\/state\/national agencies<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Review lung.org\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lung.org\/clean-air\/at-school\/iaq-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>\u201cIndoor Air Quality in Schools Guide\u201d<\/em><\/a>, the EPA&#8217;s <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/iaq-schools\/framework-effective-school-iaq-management\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cFramework for Effective School IAQ Management\u201d<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/schools\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cHealthy School Environment\u201d <\/a><\/em>, WeAreTeachers&#8217; <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.weareteachers.com\/schools-indoor-air-quality\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cWorried About Your School\u2019s Indoor Air Quality? Warning Signs to Watch For\u201d<\/a><\/em> and other sources.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advocate for proper maintenance of school facilities<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-4 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling fusion-animated\" style=\"--awb-border-sizes-top:1px;--awb-border-sizes-bottom:1px;--awb-border-sizes-left:1px;--awb-border-sizes-right:1px;--awb-border-radius-top-left:10px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:10px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:10px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:10px;--awb-overflow:hidden;--awb-background-color:rgba(0,85,122,0.03);--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" data-animationType=\"fadeInUp\" data-animationDuration=\"0.3\" data-animationOffset=\"top-into-view\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1040px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-3 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4 fusion-text-no-margin\" style=\"--awb-margin-top:20px;--awb-margin-right:20px;--awb-margin-bottom:20px;--awb-margin-left:20px;\"><h3><strong>Damp buildings and other exposures<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ISEAI suggests that exposure from <\/span><\/i><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">damp buildings<\/span><\/i><\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, leading to chronic inflammation, is <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">often the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">primary exposure<\/span> factor<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the clinical presentation of individuals suffering from a variety of chronic health issues due to environmental exposures<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.[<a href=\"#references\">9<\/a>]<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p>So, if you know of or suspect significant mold or other problems in your home, there should be a plan to fix the root cause(s)<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Is there mold in my home?<br \/>\n<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ongoing exposure to <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">elevated<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> levels of mold (whether alive or dead) and other contaminants may affect your health. What are \u2018elevated levels\u2019? Think of \u2018normal\u2019 as the exposure you typically have outdoors in fresh air in your region. When mold grows indoors following water damage, this is considered abnormal. <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mold growing indoors is often in locations that are not easily visible, such as inside of walls, under cabinets, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><b>Do I have elevated levels of mold?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask yourself a few questions: Is there a musty or odd odor inside? Do you see signs of water damage, past or present, or remember water leaks or floods? Do you feel worse at home? Have you tried common cleaning and decluttering steps but still feel ill?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What if I rent?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Landlords are required to provide safe and livable housing. However, no federal law sets permissible exposure limits or building tolerance standards for mold in residential buildings. Some states do have guidelines, however.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If there are mold issues in your apartment you can take several steps. First, document the issue with photos and contact your landlord. Explaining your reactions to mold as a &#8220;severe allergy&#8221; (or other common language) may be better received than more complex terminology.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To better understand your rights and for help finding local and state contacts see NOLO&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nolo.com\/legal-encyclopedia\/mold-rentals-landlord-liability-responsibility-prevention-30230.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>&#8220;Mold in Rentals: Landlord Liability, Responsibility, and Prevention&#8221;<\/em><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If there is an ongoing dispute regarding building maintenance, leaks, etc, you might consider a letter from your physician, explaining your diagnosis and exposure concerns<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Resources for understanding mold exposure:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, review ISEAI\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/about-eai\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">About Environmentally Acquired Illness (EAI)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> page and our free <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/resources\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ISEAI Resources<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (environmental and patient sections). <a href=\"https:\/\/iepradio.com\/videocast\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IEP Radio<\/a> is a free podcast presented by ISEAI Treasurer Michael Schrantz, CIEC &#8211; also see Episode 26 <em><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/JniAaDYnzyE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&#8220;Chronic Illness On a Budget and a Prayer&#8221;<\/a><\/em>.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you think you have a water damage problem or other issue that may be affecting your health we suggest hiring an indoor environmental professional (IEP) to guide you (budget allowing). Discuss the issue with your physician (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/physician-list\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ISEAI physician list<\/span><\/a>\u00a0if you are searching for an EAI-aware physician<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read ISEAI\u2019s guide <\/span><em><a href=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/finding-the-right-indoor-environmental-professional-to-assess-your-home\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cFinding the Right Indoor Environmental Professional to Assess Your Home\u201d<\/span><\/a><\/em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many ISEAI IEPs (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/iep-list\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">list<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) offer virtual consultations and they can suggest further steps to take to improve your indoor environmental quality. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This may involve proactive DIY measures you can take or an onsite assessment and\/or environmental testing (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/mp-files\/mold-testing-101-iseai.pdf\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ISEAI Mold Testing Guide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), and if needed, professional remediation (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/mp-files\/mold-remediation-101-iseai.pdf\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ISEAI Remediation Factsheet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Remember, it\u2019s not just mold<br \/>\n<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span id=\"references\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also consider other common factors that influence indoor air quality, such as bacterial and other growth from water damage, cleaning supplies and household chemicals, VOCs from building products, radon from soils, secondhand smoke, carbon monoxide, toxicants in water, etc. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span id=\"references\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The EPA&#8217;s very complete <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/indoor-air-quality-iaq\/inside-story-guide-indoor-air-quality\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Guide to Indoor Air Quality<\/a> is another option if you want to dig further into specific exposures like radon, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-5 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1040px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-4 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"align-self: center;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:40px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\"><h3>Summary<\/h3>\n<p>In conclusion, take action for a cleaner indoor environment for better health! Start by considering major sources of exposures in your home such as mold (which may be hidden). Think of ways you can clean and maintain your home on a regular basis and improve your indoor air quality. Many of the steps are simple and can become regular habit, helping you in the long run as you reclaim your health. ISEAI&#8217;s list of physicians and indoor environmental professionals is <a href=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/find-a-professional\/\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>References<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0&#8220;Indoor Air Quality | US EPA.&#8221; 7 Sep. 2021, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/report-environment\/indoor-air-quality\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/report-environment\/indoor-air-quality<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;How Your Lungs Get the Job Done | American Lung Association.&#8221; 20 Jul. 2017, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lung.org\/blog\/how-your-lungs-work\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.lung.org\/blog\/how-your-lungs-work<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;What is a MERV rating? | US EPA.&#8221; 13 Mar. 2023, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/indoor-air-quality-iaq\/what-merv-rating\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/indoor-air-quality-iaq\/what-merv-rating<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li>&#8220;What is a HEPA filter? | US EPA.&#8221; 13 Mar. 2023, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/indoor-air-quality-iaq\/what-hepa-filter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/indoor-air-quality-iaq\/what-hepa-filter<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0&#8220;Evidence from Scientific Literature about Improved Academic &#8230;.&#8221; 3 Aug. 2020, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/iaq-schools\/evidence-scientific-literature-about-improved-academic-performance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/iaq-schools\/evidence-scientific-literature-about-improved-academic-performance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;FOR HEALTH &#8211; Schools For Health.&#8221; <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/schools.forhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/DEC2019-Schools-for-Health.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/schools.forhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/DEC2019-Schools-for-Health.pdf<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;The Link Between School Attendance and Good Health &#8211; American &#8230;.&#8221; 28 Jan. 2019, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pediatrics.aappublications.org\/content\/pediatrics\/143\/2\/e20183648.full.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/pediatrics.aappublications.org\/content\/pediatrics\/143\/2\/e20183648.full.pdf<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;Condition of America&#8217;s Public School Facilities: 2012-13.&#8221; <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nces.ed.gov\/pubs2014\/2014022.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/nces.ed.gov\/pubs2014\/2014022.pdf<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould.&#8221; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/publications\/i\/item\/9789289041683\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.who.int\/publications\/i\/item\/9789289041683<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":18692,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,346],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Clean Indoor Air on a Budget &#8211; ISEAI<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Tips for chronically ill and environmentally sensitive patients, for improving indoor air quality and restoring health.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/clean-indoor-air-on-a-budget\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Clean Indoor Air on a Budget\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Tips for chronically ill and environmentally sensitive patients, for improving indoor air quality and restoring health.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/clean-indoor-air-on-a-budget\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"ISEAI\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ISEAInonprofit\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ISEAInonprofit\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-06-29T16:27:58+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-07-03T19:12:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-3wylDrjxH-E-unsplash.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1428\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"ISEAI Admin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Clean Indoor Air on a Budget\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"Tips for chronically ill and environmentally sensitive patients, for improving indoor air quality and restoring health.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:image\" content=\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/patrick-perkins-3wylDrjxH-E-unsplash.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@ISEAInonprofit\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@ISEAInonprofit\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"ISEAI Admin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"24 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":[\"Article\",\"BlogPosting\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/clean-indoor-air-on-a-budget\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/clean-indoor-air-on-a-budget\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"ISEAI Admin\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/#\/schema\/person\/2e3048da5c2ea6d1e740a6994a3477ac\"},\"headline\":\"Clean Indoor Air on a Budget\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-06-29T16:27:58+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-07-03T19:12:01+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/clean-indoor-air-on-a-budget\/\"},\"wordCount\":8701,\"commentCount\":2,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/#organization\"},\"articleSection\":[\"Education\",\"IEP\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/clean-indoor-air-on-a-budget\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/clean-indoor-air-on-a-budget\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/iseai.org\/clean-indoor-air-on-a-budget\/\",\"name\":\"Clean Indoor Air on a Budget &#8211; 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