Generate healthier indoor air

By now you've probably heard that the air in your home may actually make you sick. But did you know that a growing number of Americans are also allergic to many of the chemicals used to clean the air of offensive odors?

Experts agree that in many homes, schools and workplaces the indoor air quality can be poorer than outdoor air quality. The problem can occur in both older structures and new construction. Older buildings are more prone to mold and dust problems, while newer construction, built to be more energy efficient and air-tight, can trap air contaminants inside.

"Poor ventilation is a leading contributor to indoor air pollution," said Kari Warberg, whose company, Crane Creek Gardens, develops all-natural air cleaning products.

"Improving ventilation is not always practical, so demand is high for cost-effective alternatives, and consumers want those alternatives to be environmentally conscious as well as successful."

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends a three-prong approach to improving indoor air quality -- control the source of pollutants, clean the air and improve ventilation. Here are some suggestions for improving the air in your home, office or school:

Source control

Wherever possible, eliminate sources of pollution and their emissions. Adjust gas stoves, furnaces and hot water heaters to decrease emissions. Seal off or remove household materials that trigger allergic reactions.

The EPA points out that controlling the source of pollution is often the most cost-effective way to tackle the problem of poor indoor air quality.

Improve ventilation

In many cases, the air outdoors can be more healthful than the air inside. Bring outdoor air inside with open windows or doors, attic fans or window air conditioners with the vent control open.

It's even more important to exhaust indoor air out of the house when you're performing any fume-generating task, such as painting, sanding, cooking, soldering or operating a kerosene heater.

Cleaning the air

If improving ventilation isn't possible, such as when the stale air is in a basement or inner room without windows, consider an air cleaner. Chemical cleaners, such as over-the-counter air fresheners, may mask an offensive odor, but also can add another layer of irritation for those with allergies and chemical sensitivities. Mechanical air cleaners may improve air quality, but they vary widely in effectiveness, convenience and price. Commonly, they are unable to remove gaseous pollutants from the air.

Natural alternatives, such as placing houseplants in the interior environment, and non-mechanical air cleaners that use zeolite -- a type of volcanic ash -- have proven effective, safe and less costly than some other alternatives. A disposable, biodegradable freshening pack, dubbed Prairie Aire, is a top-seller for Warberg's Crane Creek Gardens. Zeolite, which is commonly used to absorb ammonia spills, filters allergens and odors from the air. Available in six scents, each Prairie Aire packet is effective for 30 days or longer. Selling for less than $5 per packet on the company's Web site, www.cranecreekgardens.com, the Prairie Aire solution has been adopted by government buildings, offices and businesses (such as painters) throughout the country.

"The product is inspired by the prairies of the Dakotas, where the air quality is among the best in the world because of the openness and movement of air," said Warberg. "Consumers tell us they favor the product not just because it is effective, but because it is all-natural, low-cost, convenient and biodegradable as well."

To purchase Prairie Aire directly from the company, or to find a retailer in your area, visit www.cranecreekgardens.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent