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Utility Room
Furnace – Nitrogen Dioxide
A gas furnace not vented correctly can release the indoor air pollutant, nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide is a gas that can irritate the lungs and cause shortness of breath.
- Vent your gas furnace to the outside and keep it in good working condition.
- Replace furnace filters every six months. Replace filters with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters to capture more particulates. HEPA filters can be found at local hardware stores.
- Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector, to alert you to excess carbon monoxide.
Water Heater – Nitrogen Dioxide
A gas water heater not vented correctly can release the air pollutant, nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide is a gas that can irritate the lungs and cause shortness of breath.
- Properly vent your gas water heater and keep it in good working condition.
- If possible, set the thermostat on the water heater at 130°F to kill house dust mites. Caution: Setting the thermostat this high can scald skin.
- Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector, to alert you to excess carbon monoxide.
Dryer Vent - Mold
Clothing dryers can release humid air into the apartment or house if not vented outside correctly. Humid air and damp surfaces help mold grow.
- Check the vent hose for cracks or tears. Check the connections are hooked up right and vent outside.
- Clean any mold and dust with a damp, soapy cloth.
Washing Machine - Mold & Pests
Standing water from a leaking washing machine attracts pests like cockroaches and help mold grow.
- Regularly check the water supply hose connection. Talk to your landlord about fixing any leaks.
- Clean any mold and dust with a soapy, damp cloth.
Dehumidifier - Mold & Dust Mites
Excess moisture and humidity levels above 60 percent help the growth of mold and dust mites. A dehumidifier will lower the humidity.
- Humidity levels should be between 40 and 60 percent.
- Install a humidity monitor to gauge the humidity levels in the apartment or home.
- Use a dehumidifier as needed. Many detect the humidity level and automatically turn on and off to adjust.
- Set the dehumidifier near a drain and attach a hose that leads directly to the drain.
- If a drain is not available, check the reservoir daily and empty as needed.
Cleaning Products - Strong Odors
Cleaning supplies often give off strong odors that can irritate the lungs of sensitive people.
- Choose cleaning supplies that are labeled “non-toxic.”
- Avoid using aerosol spray cleaners. Use a damp, soapy cloth instead.
- Use exhaust fans and/or open windows when using cleaners.
- People with asthma should avoid exposure to strong odors from cleaning products.
Pet Food - Pests
Pet food and water attract pests like cockroaches.
- Clean up spilled pet food or water.
- Do not leave pet food out overnight.
- Store pet food in sealed containers.
HEPA Vacuum - Dust Mites & Pets
HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter vacuums and HEPA filter bags have a seal that captures about 99% of dust.