Sniff Out Quality Air: Glenn Fellman

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THINK YOUR HOME is less polluted than a city street?

Think again. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend, on average, about 90 percent or more of their time indoors, where levels of pollutants may be two to five times — and occasionally even more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels.

Grossed out yet? You're not alone. In June, Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson issued "The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Promote Healthy Homes," hoping to start a dialogue about how our homes can affect our well-being.

Expect Glenn Fellman to participate in that discussion. As the executive director of the Rockville-based Indoor Air Quality Association and Indoor Environmental Standards Organization, Fellman has 20 years of experience addressing indoor environmental concerns. He knows all about the allergens, pollutants and other things that can make your nose itch, eyes water and head hurt. Luckily, he also knows how to keep them out of your house.

We asked Fellman for tips on how to breathe easier at home, and then we found products to help you enjoy the great indoors even more.

Practice Good Housekeeping
Fellman says this means washing sheets and towels once a week, dusting with a damp cloth or other material that collects — not disperses — debris and using sanitizers to kill germs in kitchens and bathrooms. And, ideally, you should pull out the (high-efficiency, please) vacuum twice a week. That chore has become more stylish, thanks to the new Electrolux Versatility vacuum ($300), which boasts an anti-odor HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filtration system and comes in shades such as amethyst and lime green. Find it at retailers such as Wal-mart, Best Buy and Lowe's.

Embrace Product Placement
Watch where you store your cleaning products, even ones labeled "green." The best place to keep them: a well-ventilated area as far from living spaces as possible. But in a condo, finding a spot like that can be tough. "If you're limited on space and they have to go under the sink or a counter, that's fine," says Fellman. "But don't put them in the air-conditioning closet. All the air you breathe goes through that closet."

Dry Off
"Moisture has been shown to be a major contributor to asthma and allergies, mostly because of the mold growth it promotes," Fellman says. "Leaks should be repaired immediately, and moisture should be removed through dehumidification or professional drying services in cases of flooding." Haier's line of free-standing dehumidifiers ($159 to $219) includes models that are Energy Star-qualified and that help to reduce dust mites and moisture. You can pick up one up at Target.

Keep an Eye on Your Neighbors
"For those living in multi-unit buildings like condos and townhouses, your neighbors' activities can have a big impact on your environment," Fellman says. A damp, moldy basement adjacent to your home, for example, could lead to odors or moisture intrusion into your property. And be on the lookout for crawling critters. "If your neighbors have cockroaches, bed bugs or ants, chances are you will, too," Fellman says. "The best solution is an integrated pest-management plan that is maintained by property management or your homeowners group."

Give Your HVAC System Some TLC
"The heating, ventilating and air-conditioning [HVAC] systems are like the heart and circulatory systems of your home," Fellman says. "When they become clogged with dust or mold, they not only cease to function effectively, but they may also distribute pollutants indoors." In addition to getting your system serviced regularly, Fellman recommends changing HVAC filters monthly and using high-efficiency filters, "not the cheap, disposable kind sometimes found at supermarkets or dollar stores." The Filtrete Advanced Allergen Reduction Filter ($21) from 3M claims to capture 90 percent of large airborne particles — think pet dander, mold spores, dust mites — and microscopic particles such as smoke, smog and particles that can carry viruses. Stock up at Home Depot or Ace Hardware.

Clear the Air
"The filters in your HVAC system are designed to keep the system clean, not to clean the air in your home," says Fellman. If you think your home requires air cleaning, Fellman recommends investing in an air cleaner. But do your homework before you buy. "Air cleaners that produce ozone, even as a by-product, should be avoided," he says. "Look for an air cleaner that incorporates a HEPA filter to remove fine particulates from the air. And make sure the air cleaner you select is sized appropriately for the area you place it." IQAir's HealthPro Plus room air purifier ($939) has received top reviews from publications such as Wired magazine and Consumers Digest for its ability to eliminate everything from pollen to odor-causing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. As a preferred dealer, Brothers Sew & Vac always has the product in stock and offers free demos to customers.

Go Au Naturel
For removing odors from a room, Fellman typically eschews any cover-up. "The best solution is to find the source of the odor and remove it," he says. "If that is not possible, there are many products on the market to mask odors, from aerosol sprays to scented candles to plug-ins. But all of those products add chemicals, particulate and odors to the air, and could make someone with asthma or allergies even sicker. Candles send a lot of soot into the air, so I virtually never recommend them." The best bet, Fellman says, is to stay natural with fresh flowers such as stargazer lilies, or to use potpourri. Make sure the new flora doesn't trigger a sneeze-fest, though. "If a person has allergies, flowers might not help much," Fellman says. Pick up a bouquet at your local farmers market or neighborhood flower stall, or check out the selection of potted plants at The Garden District.

Written by Express contributor Beth Luberecki
Photo courtesy IQ Air