Improve indoor air quality

Many of us use humidifiers and dehumidifiers in our homes for various reasons: to add moisture to the air during our cold, dry winters; to eliminate the dampness in our basements; to improve the air for family members with allergies and other health problems.

But when we use these devices, we don't expect them to do more harm than good. With new homes being built more air-tight to save energy, indoor air pollution can be a problem in many homes. According to Mark Salerno, district manager, Greater Toronto Area for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the air in our home can often be much worse than the air we breathe outdoors.

That's why proper maintenance and use of your humidifier or dehumidifier is important. Since most Canadians spend about 90 per cent of their time indoors, according to Health Canada, you want to ensure the air you and your family breathe is not adversely affecting your health.

How do you control the dampness in your home?
In relation to respiratory effects, the most important indoor contaminants to eliminate are second-hand tobacco smoke and allergens from, for example, dust mites (which thrive in humid conditions) and cats, says Dr. Susan M. Tarlo, a respiratory physician at Toronto Western Hospital, Asthma and Airway Centre. These common indoor allergens have been linked to asthma severity. Other pollutants, like mould resulting from damp conditions can also lead to a number of health problems including asthma or allergic rhinitis.

There are several indications that your home has too much humidity, says Salerno. These include:
• A damp or musty odour, detectable when you enter your home.
• A buildup of white or black spotting on exposed basement foundation -- an indication that mould is growing.
• Condensation on the windows.

"Dehumidifiers can be helpful for humid environments," says Tarlo. However using a dehumidifier for a roof -- or basement leak is an ineffective solution and any traces of mould should be eliminated immediately. "In terms of dealing with humidity, it's important you deal with the cause of the problem," says Salerno. But if your kitchen and bathroom tend to generate a lot of moisture, and your exhaust fans are not eliminating it properly, a dehumidifier can be a good option to control dampness.

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