Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

People
So much for simply removing the sources of pollution. People shed more skin than just about any other animal. About 80% of what you see floating in a ray of sunshine entering your home is dead human skin, and we can only see about 10% of the airborne pollutants. As the primary food source for dust mites, each flake of skin hosts a multitude of them.

Dust
Inside your home, about 40 pounds of dust is generated per 1,500 square feet per year. Each speck of dust serves as a mean of locomotion for about 40,000 dust mites and illness-causing bacteria and viruses.

My wife likes it (IPS air purifier) because she doesn't have to do as much dusting. - D. Cornett, Tennessee

Not only does the house always smell clean and fresh we find that there is considerably less dust than before. - M. Demcho, Ohio

Carpet, Plywood, and other Construction Materials
The "new" smell associated with new carpet, newly painted walls, new home, remodeled room, etc. is actually the outgassing of the chemical solutions used to treat these products. Wood floors are better for the health than carpet, but carpet is much more affordable.

Mattresses and Furnishings
Treated with fire retardants and other chemicals, which add to the chemical vapors we breathe inside.

Pillows and Blankets
Dust mites comprise over 50% of the weight of the average pillow.

HVAC Systems
HVAC systems create a truly artificial environment, by stripping the air of the same natural elements that make the air in the mountains so invigorating and healthy. HVAC systems don't just take out the good elements, but they aslo add harmful elements to the air. Air ducts serves as a prime breeding ground for mold spores.

Household Cleaners/Aerosols, Insecticides, Pesticides
We literally poison the air we breathe with chemical fumes and toxins when we use these products. Out of the more than 600 active ingredients in these products, the EPA has reviewed only 4 for safety.

Moist things or humid environments
Mold spores, bacteria, and mildew thrive in dampened towels, wash cloths, and moist or humid areas.

Children in homes with high mold show persistent, cold-like symptoms - 300% more than the average.

Also, according to the Mayo Clinic, most cases of sinusitis is a result of indoor molds.

Toxic Black Mold Information Center - Tips on finding, cleaning, and preventing black mold in the home/house.

Relative Humidity Sensor Buying Guide - What to look for in a moisture meter (monitoring relative humidity is the first step to controlling indoor humidity)

Noticeable improvement in air quality in our living room. Overall the unit (IPS air cleaner) works great! Also used it in our basement to get rid of some moldy smell. - M. Mai, Nebraska

Pets
Airborne animal dander (dried spit from the animal that breaks off the end of their hair and floats in air since they are so small) is a common trigger for allergies and asthma. Plus, the feces from your pet emits added contaminates into the air. (Read "8 tips that will help you reduce the risk of asthma attacks with pets in the home.")

Insects and other Bugs
Insects and bugs leave feces throughout the home, which ultimately end up in the air we breathe. In a recent study by the New England Journal of Medicine, more than half the homes tested in an extensive study had high levels of cockroaches. Children living in these homes were more than three times as likely to be hospitalized for asthma.

Food
Food inside the refrigerator, or on the counter, serves as a breeding ground for bacteria and mold spores, which end up floating in the air we breathe.

Smoking
Smoking in the home or vehicle leaves the air being breathed dense with cancer-causing toxins. Even by smoking outside, toxins from the 3600 chemicals emitted as a result of tabacco smoke cling to the clothing. Many of these toxins release themselves into the air once inside.

Children exposed to second-hand smoke are 50% more likely to die of sudden infant death, and suffer from asthma or upper respiratory disease.

Since purchasing my air purifier, I have been able to enjoy cigar smoking in my pool table room with no after affects. I turn on the PureWise when I light up, and it keeps up with the smoke, and results in no lingering odor whatsoever. - R. Mark, New York

We wouldn't be without it (IPS air purifier). As a matter of fact, when I recently called for reservations at a motel, the only room available was a smoking room which was fine; because I took my PureWise 2000 and it cleaned the air in a few minutes. - D. Cornett, Tennessee

Other sources include perfumes, candles, sprain medications, wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, odors, chemicals from photography, ceramic glazes, oil paints, dusty closets, plastic shades, synthetic toys, moldy/dusty wallpaper, cosmetics, nail care products, scented candles, etc.

Don't forget vehicles.
Recent studies show that most people face their worst exposure to polluted air while inside their vehicle. Pollen builds up in your vehicle's a/c system. Plus, exhaust and gasoline fumes easily enter your vehicle, especially if your "fresh air" vent, or window is open. This can cause drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, headaches, and behavior problems.

Surround Air Car Air Purifiers

Learn about the unique technology utilized by Indoor Purification Systems' air cleaners to purify the air.

Click here to see all of IPS's air cleaner products: IPS air purifiers.

Asthma Checklist:
27 tips for controlling your asthma by controlling your environment