Recent statistics report that one in four Canadians now suffer from allergies – and they know how miserable it can be: the itchy nose, scratchy eyes, coughing and tightness in the chest. Even going indoors has traditionally not alleviated the symptoms and often makes them worse.

Most allergies are caused by pollen or mold spores, but there are, in fact, up to 72 trillion allergens found in most homes. These can range from pet dander floating in the air to dust mites in bedding, upholstery, and other soft material to VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) off-gassing from plastics, carpets, furniture, vinyl floors and even dry-cleaned clothing all of which can become airborne and generate irritating waste particles.

And then there’s the dust. The average home generates about 40 pounds of dust per year per 1,400 square feet of space. Add to this the other allergic materials mentioned above and combine it with more modern airtight construction and you have a recipe for poor indoor air quality that requires a solution “ionic-type” appliances simply cannot deliver.

Fortunately, there are now several highly effective products available that can significantly improve the indoor air quality of your home, business or condo. Both Carrier (Infinity Air Cleaner) and Trane (CleanEffects) now offer flow through filters that can be installed with your new furnace or as an add-on to your existing system. There are also several types of bypass and portable HEPA filter made by Amaircare that we highly recommend, as well as VANee HRVs (Heat Recovery Ventilators) that can bring fresh air into your home both day and night.

Click here for Frequently Asked Indoor Air Quality Questions Indoor Air Quality Facts

• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health.
• We spend 90% of our day indoors.
• EPA studies indicate that indoor levels of many pollutants may be up to 25 times higher, and in some instances, more than 100 times higher than outdoor air.
• The occurrence of Asthma has been steadily increasing over the last 20 years
• Asthma is most common during childhood and affects 12% of Canadian children.
• A Canadian household survey found that half of asthmatic school-aged children reported that household pets triggered or worsened their disease yet 41% had a dog and 36% had a cat inside their home. Similarly, 54% of asthmatic children were exposed to second hand smoke even though smoke was identified as worsening their condition.
• Asthma is the leading cause of absenteeism from school and the third leading cause of work loss.
• Every year in Canada, there are 146,000 emergency room visits due to asthma attacks
• 87% of homeowners are not aware that pollution may be worse inside their homes than outdoors.
• Worldwide, the economic costs associated with asthma are estimated to exceed those of HIV/AIDS combined.
• The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 30% of newly constructed and remodeled facilities have indoor air quality problems.
• According to a study by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, indoor air contaminants are responsible for half of all illnesses.
• Tobacco smoke actually contains over 4000 compounds, many of which are strong irritants.
• Many ordinary activities such as cooking, cleaning and redecorating can spread indoor pollutants
• The Canadian National Academy of Sciences recently reviewed the evidence for the development of asthma in children and concluded that there is substantial evidence of a causal relationship between exposures to house dust mites and asthma.
• Most homes generate about 40 pounds of dust per year for every 1400 square feet of space.
• About 40,000 dust mites, a common cause of household allergies, can be found in an 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 causes.

Indoor Air Quality Links Clean indoor air is a significant health issue that is getting increasing attention, from doctors, governments and families. For more information about air quality and health issues, you can visit the following links:

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Offering a wide variety of information to help Canadian homeowners.
www.cmhc.ca

The Asthma Society of Canada
Achieve Symptom-Free Asthma.
www.asthma.ca

The Canadian Institute for Health Information
Timely, accurate, and comparable information raising health awareness.
www.cihi.ca

American Lung Association
Improving Life One Breath at a Time.
www.lungusa.org

US Environmental Protection Agency
Basic Information About Indoor Air Quality.
www.epa.gov/iaq/ia-intro.html