Breathe Easier With Better Air

With cooler weather people tend to move from the great outdoors into the cozier, warmer spaces of home and office. But poor air quality can hamper your relaxed winter lifestyle.

During the winter, we consume about 35 pounds of air daily and spend about 80 per cent of our time indoors. According to the Canadian Lung Association, indoor air pollution has become a major problem because indoor air can be up to 10 times more polluted than outside air. One in five Canadians now suffers some form of respiratory problem. Rates of asthma, allergies, and breathing problems have increased 60 per cent since 1989.

But poor indoor air isn't inevitable. We can revive our home or office air by providing improved ventilation. Open windows whenever possible, and leave the doors open between rooms.

Consider an air-cleaning device, such as a portable air cleaner or central filtration system. Specifically, tests have shown that negative ion generators, which help purify, revitalize, and energize air, relieves conditions such as asthma, allergies, hay fever, and bronchial disorders.

Schedule regular inspections of home systems, appliances, and the furnace to ensure their optimum performance. Fuel-burning sources are especially bad polluters.

Clean routinely to reduce mites and other allergens. Keep moisture levels low by using fans or opening windows; these help prevent the excess growth of bacteria and mold.