We all love a tidy house, it makes you feel comfortable, organized, and most of all clean but there is one thing you might be overlooking while tidying up your home. The air in your home can contain many contaminants and unfortunately, indoor air is often more polluted than outside air.

Think about this for a second, outdoor air has car emissions, industry pollutions, pollen and so much more circulating throughout it but the one thing that outside air has versus indoor is more space to move. Due to the lack of fresh air indoors,  toxic levels of pollution can build up if not monitored properly. Here are just a few of indoor pollution sources:

1. Dust: Dust is the number one air polluter in the average American Home. Dust is a build up of dander, dust mite materials, skin cells and more.
2. Pets: Animals constantly shed their fur and their dander is a significant source of irritation for those with asthma. Not to mention animals can carry outdoor pollution in such as pollen.
3. Combustion Sources:  Gas stoves, Wood Stoves, Fire Places and Space Heaters are all combustion sources. They put things like carbon monoxide, radon, and superfine particles into the air that you breathe in your home. These particles can be very dangerous in large amounts so it is best to try to monitor your use of these items if you do not have an air purifier.
4.  Building Materials: Is your home new? or have you recently done any renovations? Chances are the materials you used have entered your air. Formaldehyde is the most common coming from cabinets, furniture tops, and subfloors are just a few examples.
5. Other Common Agents: Mold and mildew occur in your home due to excess humidity may that be from a hot shower or a long day of cooking. Viruses and bacteria live in the mold so be careful to clean areas that are exposed excess humidity frequently.