Publishes:
Fighting Indoor Air Pollution is Best Defense

For More Information Contact:
Jon O. Fields, President
RestorePro, Inc
419-624-0198

December 12, 2002

Fighting Indoor Air Pollution is Best Defense Against Allergies and Asthma

SANDUSKY, Ohio – With incidences of childhood and adult-onset asthma on the rise, indoor air pollution is quickly becoming an area of concern among those affected.

Indoor air pollutants include any molds, pet dander, dust or any other airborne particles that irritate the respiratory system.

One of the best defenses against indoor air pollution is having a home's air duct system cleaned periodically. Duct cleaning involves removing impurities from various components of a forced air heating or cooling system, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers, heating and cooling coils, condensation collection pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing and the air handling unit housing.

"If not properly installed, maintained and operated, these components may become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen or other debris," says Jon Fields, president of RestorePro. "If moisture is present, the potential for mold growth is increased and spores from such growth may be released into the home's living space." Some of these contaminants may cause allergic reactions or asthma symptoms.

Homeowners should have their air ducts cleaned every two to three years and more often if:

• Family members are experiencing unusual or unexplained symptoms or illnesses that they think might be related to the home environment.
• There is substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of the heating and cooling system.
• Ducts are infested with vermin, e.g. rodents or insects.
• Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are visibly released into the home from the supply registers.

Systems equipped with humidifiers are especially at risk for contributing to poor indoor air quality if not properly operated and maintained. With humidifiers, elevated humidity is introduced directly into the duck work. If the ducts are dirty, microbial activity is amplified, which can lead to health problems. Humidifiers along with the mechanical systems should be inspected annually by a qualified HVAC technician.

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