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Allergist: Outside conditions have limited effect on indoor air quality

Posted at 1:56 PM, Jan 08, 2013
and last updated 2013-01-08 20:05:18-05

DRAPER, Utah -- The poor air condition outside has a limited effect on indoor air quality, according to a Utah allergist.

"My understanding is that when it is this bad outside, you get a little bit of that inside, you can't avoid that entirely," said Dr. Duane Harris, allergist. "But the indoor air quality really should be better than outside."

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air because of contributing factors such as fireplaces, furnaces and gas stoves.

Household products such as air fresheners and candles can also bring in toxic pollutants. According to consumer reports, 20 percent of people smoke indoors, which adds to poor air quality.

Ways to improve indoor air quality include remove dust and checking household products to make sure they are working correctly. Also, change your furnace filters every three months or every month if you have pets or smoke.