AIR ADVICE

Living in the Midwest means living with seasonal allergens. Did you know that Indoor
Air Quality is now considered a major health concern in the US? The EPA recently
declared that,"Indoor Air Pollution is America's most serious enviromental problem
affecting human health." Over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies; many of
which are caused by indoor air pollutants. Almost all allergies are aggravated
by indoor air pollutants.

In today's homes, over 85% of the air is recycled. Your Heating and Air Conditioning
system could be recirculating the very things that trigger or aggravate your allergies.
Have your home professionally tested today!

Call today for a Free Indoor Air Quality Check
(847) 215-9880

The Air Advice Monitor will check your home for the following sources of indoor air pollution:

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)	Many common products around the home (solvents, fragrances and cosmetics, carpeting, furniture, paint, hobby products, cooking, cleaning agents, pesticides, new flooring, tobacco smoke, and car exhaust) emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Inside your home, these compounds can freely mix together. Individual VOC’s are known to be harmful to human health and some are known carcinogens, such as formaldehyde. Introduction of new furnishings can be a major source of VOCs in the home.
Airborne particles	Many types of particles, such as smoke, pet dander, mold spores, and pollen can trigger asthma found inside the home. In addition, if certain chemicals attached to particles are inhaled on a regular basis, they may cause lung cancer. Airborne particles include: Allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold and dust. Allergens can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems and asthma attacks. Biological particles, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They can cause infectious and non-infectious diseases, such as colds, influenza, and respiratory infections. Toxic particles, such as cigarette smoke, wood smoke, lead dust and asbestos.
Humidity	People tend to feel most comfortable at a relative humidity of about 45%. High relative humidity (greater than 55%) can lead to the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria, fungi, and dust mites. These pollutants can have adverse health effects. Low relative humidity (less than 25%) can aggravate asthma and bronchitis, and lead to sinusitis, nosebleeds, dry eyes, and dry skin. It increases static electricity and makes your home feel cooler, so you may require a higher thermostat setting (which uses more energy) to feel comfortable.
Temperature	Extreme changes in temperature can trigger and aggravate asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems. Maintaining low temperatures over a long period of time can lead to high relative humidity (the amount of water vapor in the air).
Carbon dioxide	Carbon dioxide (CO2) is released from people when they exhale and from the burning of wood, gasoline, oil, kerosene, natural gas, and charcoal. Although carbon dioxide is rarely a safety problem, a high CO2 level can indicate poor ventilation. These conditions can lead to a buildup of particles and more harmful gases (such as carbon monoxide) that can affect your health and safety. Poor ventilation can also make your home feel “stuffy”, especially in winter.
Carbon monoxide	Carbon monoxide (CO) is released when wood, gasoline, oil, kerosene, natural gas, and charcoal burn inefficiently. At moderate levels, CO can cause severe headaches, dizziness, impaired mental function, nausea, and shortness of breath. At high levels it can cause unconsciousness and death. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 1000 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning and thousands end up in emergency rooms. Because CO is odorless and colorless, and symptoms can look like common illnesses, the effects may not be recognized until it is too late.