Date Archives: July 11th, 2022

Do you know that your home's indoor air quality greatly impacts your health? For home safety, our REALTORS® recommend regularly testing your indoor air quality and taking steps to reduce harmful pollutants in your home that can make you sick.

Taking steps to boost indoor air quality can help you lower your risk of developing serious health conditions and improve your quality of life. If you're considering buying Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale, testing the air quality can ensure a healthy indoor environment. Here are some steps you can take to keep your family safe.

• Test Your Air Quality
  The first step to ensuring a healthy home is testing the indoor air quality  through DIY methods or calling in a professional:

• • DIY Testing – You can find a variety of air quality test kits online or at home improvement stores. However, some kits only test for one or two air pollutants like carbon dioxide and radon, both toxic gases.

• • Professional Testing – If you want a full panel of results, it's best to call in a pro. Many professionals who do air quality testing also specialize in mold prevention and removal, which is helpful in older homes and those with basements.
    
    
• Cut Down on Air Pollutants
  Most homes are filled with air pollutants that can cause a variety of medical conditions, including allergies, asthma, heart disease, pneumonia, skin rashes, and low birth weight in newborns. Young children and older adults are most vulnerable to illnesses due to poor indoor air quality. Common household pollutants include:

• • Cleaning products like glass cleaners, air fresheners, and bleach that contain toxic chemicals

  • Carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas emitted by gas furnaces, space heaters, and stoves

  • Formaldehyde found in household items and composite wood products

  • Radon, a radioactive gas that seeps through cracks in floors and walls

  • Secondhand smoke from cigarettes and cigars

• Control Allergens
  It's common to find a host of allergens and irritants in the home that impact air quality. The major culprits include household dust, dust mites, mold, and pet dander. These allergens can cause a range of respiratory problems like coughing, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, and watery eyes, as well as skin rashes and hives. Take these steps to reduce indoor allergens:

• • Dust furniture and vacuum rugs weekly

  • Wash bedding in hot water twice per month to eliminate dust mites

  • Buy mattress covers and hypoallergenic bed pillows

  • Bathe and brush pets regularly

  • Remove mold from sinks, tubs, and showers

  • Check attics, basements, and leaky pipes for moisture, mildew, and mold

• Control Moisture and Humidity
  Moist and humid indoor conditions breed mold and mildew. Using dehumidifiers during rainy weather and hot, humid summer weather can reduce the amount of moisture in the air and prevent the growth of mold and mildew. In bathrooms, installing ceiling fans and heat lamps will have the same effect.

• Improve Ventilation
  Good airflow in your home will help to prevent a buildup of air pollutants. On a nice day when pollen counts aren't high, open the windows to bring fresh air inside. You can also improve ventilation and air quality by:

• • Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter

  • Changing heating and air filters every month

  • Changing appliance filters regularly

  • Installing cooking vents in the kitchen

  • Ensuring air vents and chimneys are not obstructed

If you're interested in moving to the Long Island area, contact us for information or to schedule a tour of available homes that suit your lifestyle.