Dropping temperatures and falling leaves signal the end of summer and the beginning of another cold Canadian winter. But with the change in season, there is more to remember than turning up the thermostat. People must also consider indoor air quality and how it affects their health.

The U.S. Environment Protection Agency identifies indoor air quality as one of the top five most urgent environmental risks to public health because indoor air pollution levels can be two to five times higher than outdoor levels. Exposure to indoor pollutants like mould, dust, pet dander, bacteria and pollen can, pose serious health risks and even contribute to respiratory disease, asthma and lung cancer.

"Since people spend up to 90 per cent of time indoors, they should take proactive steps to filter airborne particles," said Marybeth Huson, furnace filter specialist. "Like the crumbs on the floor or the dirt on the counter, people need to clean the air in their homes to maintain a healthy living environment."

To delve into your home's ventilation system and investigate what the air you breathe really looks like, Huson recommends visiting Filtrete3D.com. Huson also suggests the following tips to improve indoor air quality.

Reduce the Effects of Mould
Turn on exhaust fans when showering and use a clean and efficient dehumidifier in the basement to prevent moist environments.

Limit Pet Dander
Minimize your pet's access to carpeted areas where dander can hide.

Keep Dust Down
Limit household dust by cleaning with damp mops and cloths instead of dry ones, which scatter dust into the air.

Use Furnace Filters
High-performance filters, like Filtrete filters, attract and capture even microscopic airborne particles. For best efficiency, change filters at least every three months.

Wash Bedding Regularly
The average double mattress can host up to 2 million dust mites. Wash bedding weekly in hot water to limit airborne dust mite debris.

Clean Regularly
Prevent build-up of things like dust, dirt, pet dander, bacteria or mould that can become part of the air people breathe by thoroughly cleaning once a week.

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Jacqui Newell
Public Relations Coordinator
3M Canada
jnewell@mmm.com
519-451-2500 ext. 2564