The survey found 39% do not change their home heating and cooling system’s air filter regularly and put themselves at risk of allergies to dust mites and pollutants produced by household appliances such as gas stoves.
“While we’re going to great lengths to get into healthier routines and instil better habits in our families, we often overlook the things we can’t see — like the air we breathe,” said Dr Roshini Raj, clinical associate professor of medicine at the NYU School of Medicine, who carried out the survey.
“Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can damage their health. However, many do not know that exposure to indoor air pollutants can cause immediate and long-term health effects.”
Healthy Living Filters from Filtrete, a 3M brand, attract and capture at least 90% of large airborne particles such as dust, pollen and mould spores, while also capturing microscopic particles that can carry bacteria and viruses.
The company says its technology then lets cleaner air flow through and recommends changing filters at least quarterly to improve air quality and improve the efficiency of home heating and cooling systems.