Green Living
Breathe Easier
Purifying indoor air for a healthier home.
BY
Miun Gleeson
PHOTOGRAPHY
iStockphoto/FreezeFrameStudio

 
 

There’s something in the air…and it’s not healthy. Unwanted house guests in the form of contaminants may be overstaying their welcome in your home. Getting rid of them has never been more important.

Underscoring the significance of healthy air in our homes are disturbing facts from The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which estimates that indoor air could be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. This fact has increasing relevance when you consider that we spend about 90 percent of our time indoors, of which 65 percent is spent at home, according to the American Lung Association. From a health standpoint, indoor air pollution is one of the most common problems addressed by allergists — one in three people in the U.S. have dust-related allergies. Poor indoor air quality also exacerbates medical conditions such as asthma, respiratory problems and sinus issues.

So what are the many pollutants that plague us in our own homes? Besides the usual suspects — mold, radon and dust — other contaminating culprits include chemical sprays and cleaners, tobacco products, pet dander, asbestos, formaldehyde, carpet and paint. While it is virtually impossible to live in a home completely free of these contaminants, there are numerous options available that offer viable solutions to help remove it from our breathable air. One company is even getting some help from rocket scientists.

Originally developed in cooperation with NASA to clean the air in spacecrafts by removing airborne pathogens, EcoQuest International’s Fresh Air Purifier has been recognized as a Certified Space Technology product. Used for homes and large spaces up to 3,000 square feet, Fresh Air’s effectiveness is twofold. While Fresh Air removes particles from breathable air, it also eliminates odors and kills contaminants. The result? Cleaner and fresher-smelling air similar to the air after a summer thunderstorm, hence the product’s moniker: “thunderstorm in a box.”

For smaller spaces, Sylvane offers the Austin Air Healthmate Plus Junior Air Purifier. Covering up to 700 square feet, this product is ideal for allergy/asthma sufferers and is specially designed for those with chemical sensitivities. It adds an additional layer of filtration against VOCs, which pose harmful health risks.

Invariably, a home that takes measures for clean air will be noticeably healthier and so will its residents. It’s a concern being heeded by both homebuyers and builders. According to a 2007 builder survey by Professional Builder magazine, having healthy indoor air ranked second behind energy efficiency in importance to homebuyers. Eighty-three percent of the builders rated indoor air quality as “somewhat or very important” to their customers, according to the survey.

The type of windows, flooring, paint, wood and HVAC system all contribute to the overall air quality in your home. A central vacuum system also can significantly improve your home’s air quality as well as your own health. A University of California-Davis School of Medicine study shows that central vacuum systems can improve indoor air quality and reduce allergy symptoms by as much as 61 percent. While conventional upright vacuums re- circulate dust back into the air, a central vacuum is often recommended for removing pollutants because 100 percent of the pollens, bacteria and pet dander vacuumed are filtered and contained in the tank.

“Central vacuum systems capture up to five times more dirt and allergens than an upright,” says Sarah DeGondea, sales and marketing manager for Plugged In. “[They] don’t stir up dust in the living area because dust and debris are carried through the piping system to the power unit receptacle.”

Plugged In is the exclusive Kansas City dealer for CycloVac Central Vacuums, which has been manufacturing central vacuums for more than 45 years and currently offers more than 12 central vacuums from which to choose. The company unveiled its high-efficiency line two years ago, which features central vacuums with a triple filter, electrostatic bag. Utilizing a “hands off” approach, dirt and debris go into the bag so you don’t ever have to make contact with it, whereas many conventional vacuums require you to clean out the fan or the screen filter.

You also can improve the quality of air in your home by having your ductwork cleaned and sanitized. “Many people are surprised by what they find in their trunks and air vents, which are prone to collect dirt, dust, hair and carpet fibers,” says Rachel Krebsbach, an independent business owner for EcoQuest International. “[Another recommendation is to] use a good quality filter on your HVAC system and change it often, every couple of months.”

All of these options symbolize the latest in technology to inhale and exhale indoor air that isn’t full of harmful pollutants — out of sight, out of mind, and more important, out of your breathable air.