Indoor Air Pollution

Air pollution is a big problem for people with breathing disorders. It makes each breath that much harder to pull in, and can even send them to the hospital. The scary thing is that it can occur inside as well as outside, particularly in cold weather.

You may not consider all of the things on this list "air pollution," but they all have an affect on our lungs…even when we're healthy.

Charcoal Grills: Every year people die because they tried to heat their house with a charcoal grill. These grills put out carbon monoxide, and it doesn't take long to wipe out an entire family. *Never* light or use a charcoal grill in the house. It will kill you.

Cooking: Even if you don't accidentally burn dinner, the scent of what you prepare will probably permeate the house. Most cooking odors are just that, but if you do burn something, the smoke can cause indoor air pollution.

Dust in Heater Vents: Do you have a funny smell every time you turn on your heater? That is overheated dust particles being blown into your living space. This can be an almost instant asthma attack in sensitive people.

Little Air Circulation: During the summer, we have the air conditioner on or the windows open and fans blowing. Air gets moved around…and in and out…constantly. In the winter, no one wants the windows open; it's too cold. This can result in very limited air circulation. In some cases, so little air comes in the house that carbon monoxide builds up. Like a charcoal grill, this can be deadly.

Perfume: Ask anyone with asthma or migraines how they feel about overpowering perfumes and you'll be lucky if all they call it is air pollution. It can be a menace, especially if the wearer more or less bathes in it. In the winter, it has no place to go, so even after the wearer leaves, those left behind have to breathe it.

Unserviced Heaters: Your heater should be checked annually to make sure it is functioning properly. Besides the carbon monoxide dangers, heaters can put off other gases that are just as dangerous.

Indoor air pollution isn't something to take lightly. If you see yourself or your household in this article, it's time to do something about it. Most of these things can be easily fixed and your family will be safer and healthier if you handle them.