Even the most meticulous housekeeper cannot prevent poor indoor air quality. Smoking indoors is not the main culprit either; toxins emitted from many common household furnishings can cause various problems. Here is a brief overview of some of the main causes of poor indoor air quality:

• Finishers, sealers, adhesives, and a wide range of fabrics contain benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds that are slowly emitted in gaseous form. Paint, flooring, furniture, rugs, clothing, and other common items may be putting your family at risk.
• Poor ventilation systems that do not circulate air properly also greatly contribute to poor air quality. Dirty ducts, poorly-designed ducts, and a lack of a good filtration system are only a few examples.
• Pet dander, dust, dirt, and airborne allergens are constantly in the air despite our best cleaning efforts. Careful cleaning and daily vacuuming will ease these problems, but they can only disappear completely with professional help.

It should come as no surprise that the state of Utah has some of the driest air in the country on a year-round basis. An indoor atmosphere that is too dry can:

• Cause damage to expensive furniture and wood floors
• Aggravate certain health conditions such as asthma and sinus headaches
• Dry out nasal passages and increase nose bleeds
• Contribute to dry, itchy skin on hands and arms in all kinds of weather
• Result in “zaps” whenever you touch a metal object or go to kiss your loved ones