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Install and use exhaust fans that are vented to the outdoors in
kitchens and bathrooms. Vent clothes dryer air to the outdoors.
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Buy a high-quality doormat. Wiping your shoes will greatly reduce
the particles and dust you track into your home. Keep outside shoes
outside or take your shoes off before coming inside.
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Use a dehumidifier to keep relative humidity levels below 50
percent. Use a humidifier to keep humidity levels from getting
below 30 percent.
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Thoroughly clean and dry water-damaged carpets and building
materials (within 24 hours if possible) or consider removal and
replacement.
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Correct water leak problems promptly.
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Dust mites, pollens, animal dander, and other allergy-causing agents
can be reduced, although not eliminated, through regular cleaning
and washing bed linen weekly in hot water.
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Allow bed linen to dry completely before making the bed.
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Use a high-quality vacuum cleaner, such as one with a dirt detector
or HEPA filter, or use a central vacuum system. Wash your
children's hair before bedtime to keep outside dusts and pollutants
off the pillow and away from their nose.
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Change pillowcases often.
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Ventilate the attic with gravity vents (non-powered) to prevent
moisture buildup. Install sealed vapor barrier in crawl space.
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Take steps to minimize biological pollutants in basements.
Regularly clean and disinfect any basement floor drain.
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Maintain and clean all appliances that come in contact with water.
Have a professional inspect and clean appliances, such as furnaces,
heat pumps, central and wall air-conditioning units, and
furnace-attached humidifiers.
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Use pleated high-efficiency furnace filters. Change the filters
frequently according to the manufacturer's directions.
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Reduce or eliminate the use of oil based air freshners and scented
candles.
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If you're concerned about chemical gases, use paints or varnishes
that have low or no volatile organic compounds. Use less toxic
cleaning supplies.
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Use an exhaust fan in a bathroom for several minutes after taking a
shower. Use an exhaust fan when cooking. Make sure the fans are
vented to the exterior.
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Keep all cleaning supplies in airtight containers outside in a
ventilated storage area.
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Keep trees and shrubs three feet or more away from the foundation
perimeter.
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Don't permit smoking in the house.
