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Tips for Reducing Indoor Pollutants in Your Home

Overview

Exposure to indoor air pollutants can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma attacks. It can also cause diseases, such as lung cancer. Pollutants include smoke, pet dander, radon, mold, cleaning products, and other chemicals. You can create a healthier home by following the tips below.

  • Reduce allergens.
    • If pets make allergy or asthma symptoms worse, avoid having pets or keep them outside. If that's not possible, don't let them in the rooms where anyone who has asthma or allergies sleeps. Wash dogs often.
    • Keep your home clean and dry. Wash bedding in hot water, store food and trash in closed containers, and vacuum often. Use HEPA filters in your vacuum and air filters, and clean or replace them regularly. And choose window coverings that are easy to clean, such as wood shades or blinds.
    • Don't allow anyone to smoke in your home.
  • Control moisture.
    • Fix leaks and other sources of moisture. Remove water-damaged materials.
    • Make sure your clothes dryer vents to the outside.
    • Use an exhaust fan in your kitchen, and keep it clean. Use the bathroom exhaust fan or open a window when you shower, if possible. Make sure bathroom exhaust fans pull air outdoors and not into basements, crawl spaces, or inside the house.
    • Keep outdoor gutters and drains clean to prevent water from building up and creating moisture inside.
  • Avoid problems from heat sources.
    • Get furnaces, hot water heaters, and gas ranges checked every year. Make sure that the air intake and exhaust systems are adequate. And clean and seal duct systems.
    • Don't use kerosene space heaters or unvented gas heaters as your primary source of heat. Also don't use charcoal grills or portable camping stoves inside.
    • Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
    • Make sure wood stoves and fireplaces have tight-fitting doors. Get flues and chimneys checked and cleaned. Don't store firewood indoors.
  • Check household furnishings.
    • When shopping for new furniture or cabinets, try to avoid particleboard since it may contain irritating chemicals that give off gases and odors. Reduce furniture with fabric. When possible, replace it with leather, vinyl, or wood.
    • If possible, replace carpet with hard flooring. If that's not an option, choose carpet with a short nap, or use area rugs that can be cleaned often. Start with the rooms you spend the most time in.
    • Call an expert if you have to remove lead paint. Do not sand or strip off the lead paint.
  • Be careful with household products.
    • Take care when using cleaning products, paints, solvents, and pesticides. Try to use them outside. If you must use them inside, open windows or use a fan to blow odors and fumes out of your home. Paint can release gases for months after you apply it. Try to use paint without volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
    • Do not mix cleaning products. Follow the directions on the bottle. Consider using safer cleaners such as soap and water or baking soda. A vinegar and water mix can be used to clean glass. Try to choose unscented and nonaerosol products.
    • Avoid using chemical air fresheners and deodorizers.

Related Information

Credits

Current as of: October 24, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 24, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Dear patient

I am excited to announce that I will be relocating my practice to Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates. Starting November 4, 2024, my new address will be:

Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates
6550 Fannin St.
Smith Tower, Suite 1901
Houston, TX 77030

Please note that my phone number and fax number will also change to the following:
24-Hour Telephone: 713-441-1100
Fax: 713-790-2643
Clinical Support Telephone (M-F, 8-5): 713-441-3515

I am excited about caring for you in my new office and hope you will make the transition with me. I will also continue to refill your medications as I have in the past. To assist, please provide your pharmacy with my new contact information.

Please consider checking your prescription refills to verify that you have enough medication on hand to last you until your next visit. Please note that your medical records will remain at my former office until you authorize their transfer. If you choose for me to continue providing your medical care, please complete and sign the enclosed “Authorization for Release of Medical Records” form and fax it to 713-790-2643. Once we receive your authorization, we will be happy to process the request for you.

Thank you for entrusting me with your medical care. My new team and I are dedicated to making this transition as seamless as possible. For help scheduling an appointment and transitioning your care, please call my new office number above.

I look forward to continuing your care at my new location.

Sincerely,
Gopi A. Shah, MD

Dear patient

Dr. Albert Raizner, Dr. Michael Raizner, and Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary are excited to announce that our practice, Interventional Cardiology Associates, will merge with Houston Cardiovascular Associates on November 1, 2024.

Our new offices are similarly located in Houston, near the Texas Medical Center and in Sugar Land. Our in-hospital care will continue at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Importantly, our new offices expand our services with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. Our core values will always be, as they began over 40 years ago when Dr. Albert Raizner founded ICA:

Integrity – Compassion – Accountability

Our new address and contact information are:

Your medical records are confidential and remain available at our new locations. We consider it a privilege to serve as your cardiologists and look forward to your continuing with us. However, should you desire to transfer to another physician, you may request a copy of your records by contacting us at our new addresses and phone numbers listed above.

We thank you for your trust and loyalty. As always, we will continue to be here to take care of you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Albert Raizner,
Dr. Michael Raizner,
Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary