Tip of the Week

Clean the Air

I relish the coming of each season, including winter, except for the fact that we have to batten down the hatches to keep the fresh, but cold outdoor air out. The air indoors can fill up with unhealthful pollutants unless you are careful. My husband is especially sensitive to common allergens, including pet dander and dust mites. I like my vacuum with a High Efficiency Particular Air (HEPA) filter for just that reason. It traps 99.97 percent of particles down to 0.3 microns in size, and blocks them from being spewed back out into the air, as happens with most vacuums. HEPA filters also help trap flame retardants, phthalates and toxic pesticides found in household dust.

Not everyone needs a vacuum with a HEPA filter. A medium efficiency machine may suffice if you or someone in your family is not an allergy sufferer or have asthma. For recommendations of vacuums with HEPA filters, or ones without that still trap particles well, see The Green Guide's Product Report.

© The Green Guide, 2008

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