Many of us have taken steps to make our homes more energy efficient, but while that may save us money it could also be costing us as well. Some green homes may take a toll on your health.
Between remodeling older houses and building new ones, it's estimated that millions of more homes in the United States will get greener over the next four years. But in our efforts to save money and protect the environment, we've created some unintended consequences.
Doctor Nathan Rabinovitch is an asthma expert at National Jewish Health. He says since 1970 asthma rates in the U.S. have nearly tripled, a problem that he believes begins at home.
To put his theory to the test, Doctor Rabinovitch had students carry air monitors for several weeks - not only at home, but on their way to and from school.
After analyzing the quality of the air they were exposed to 24 hours a day, the worst was where you might expect it least.
Dr. Rabinovitch says, "the amount of pollution that they were being exposed to was higher inside the home than outside the home for many of the kids.
He says changing air filters and cleaning your home often can help cut down on breathing problems, but the best way to control indoor air pollution is to look outdoors.
Simply opening your windows can help dry out and clear out the things that might be making you sick.
Between remodeling older houses and building new ones, it's estimated that millions of more homes in the United States will get greener over the next four years. But in our efforts to save money and protect the environment, we've created some unintended consequences.
Doctor Nathan Rabinovitch is an asthma expert at National Jewish Health. He says since 1970 asthma rates in the U.S. have nearly tripled, a problem that he believes begins at home.
To put his theory to the test, Doctor Rabinovitch had students carry air monitors for several weeks - not only at home, but on their way to and from school.
After analyzing the quality of the air they were exposed to 24 hours a day, the worst was where you might expect it least.
Dr. Rabinovitch says, "the amount of pollution that they were being exposed to was higher inside the home than outside the home for many of the kids.
He says changing air filters and cleaning your home often can help cut down on breathing problems, but the best way to control indoor air pollution is to look outdoors.
Simply opening your windows can help dry out and clear out the things that might be making you sick.
Charlotte Ames is the area's only local Health Reporter and brings you the latest medical health news weeknights. You can catch Healthcast on WTAJ News at 5:00pm and her Health Headlines report on WTAJ News at 5:30pm.