Children and adults in the U.S. spend 90% of their time indoors. Indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air. On a typical cleaning day in a typical home, levels of chemicals in the indoor air can be hundreds, even thousands of times higher than the outdoor air in the most polluted of cities. According to the EPA, indoor air pollution is one of the nation's most pressing personal health concerns. Typical products like cleaning agents, aerosols, air fresheners, and disinfectants greatly contribute to the problem. These products may also contain hidden cancer-causing ingredients. ACTION STEPS Simply ventilate the home, especially the bedrooms and nursery, by opening up your windows. Opening windows, even for a short time, makes a big difference. Change the air filter in your air conditioning and heating units to greatly improve indoor air quality. Sanitize and cleanse air with help from indoor plants, and the use of air cleaners and purifiers (with approved HEPA filters). Avoid carpets where possible - they hold dust, synthetic solvents, and pesticides. Natural fiber carpeting (organic cotton, wool, jute, or sisal) are the best option, since they haven't been chemically treated. Avoid using conventional paints, cleaning supplies, pesticides, furniture made from particle board, and "air fresheners". Cigarette/cigar smoke, mold/mildew, and fumes from off-gassing of home furnishings decrease air quality. Look for non-toxic, naturally derived, and "low VOC" alternatives - paints, carpets, and furnishings. "Air Out" new carpets and home furnishings before indoor use, especially newly painted and newly carpeted rooms. Change your vacuum bag, and be sure it has a clean filter to prevent the spreading of dust, which can be redistributed into the air. www.dahodreams.fourpointwellness.com