Tip 44: Open a Window

Our Mission: We ignite the movement that empowers parents to protect children from harmful chemicals. Donate »

Blog

Janelle Sorensen

Thursday, November 09, 2006

I have asthma so good air quality is a high priority for me. I am fortunate that so far neither of my kids are showing signs of this affliction and I’m doing what I can to prevent it.

It may come as a surprise to some, but indoor air quality can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air quality is one of the top five environmental health concerns. Given that people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, it’s important to do what you can to reduce indoor air pollution.

One of the simplest things you can do is open a window. Even if it’s chilly outside, you should open a window for even five minutes a day to significantly decrease the concentrations of indoor air pollutants in your home. Most home heating and cooling systems, including forced air heating systems, do not mechanically bring fresh air into the house. So, open a window and start breathing cleaner air.