Allergies

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Healthier Home

Having good indoor air quality is an important part of having a healthy living space. People spend more than 90% of their time indoors, and your indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air.

We offer a free Asthma-Friendly Home Checklist (Available in EnglishDownload PDF and SpanishDownload PDF) that can help you identify and reduce triggers. You can go through this list with everyone in your home that has asthma and allergies.

If you are a renter, share this page or the printable checklist with your landlord.
Mouse over (or click if you’re on mobile) each area of the house for a helpful checklist to help you improve air quality and reduce asthma and allergy triggers in your home:

You can improve your indoor air quality by cutting down the sources of allergens and asthma irritants throughout your home:

  • Improve air flow in your home – leave interior doors open, run exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.
  • Avoid harmful products (like bleach and other harsh cleaners) as much as possible.
  • Use CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® products (bedding, vacuums, cleaning products, flooring, paint and more).
  • Establish regular cleaning routines to remove dust, pollen, animal dander and mold from your home.
  • Measure your home’s humidity level and keep it below 50%. If you live in a wet climate, you may need a dehumidifier.
  • Keep windows closed during peak pollen times or during times of high outdoor pollution.
  • Remove items with strong scents like candles. Replace traditional scented candles with battery-powered ones.
  • If possible, remove carpets and replace with solid surface flooring.
  • Maintain your HVAC (furnace and air conditioning) system and replace the air filters as recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Use portable air cleaners (air purifiers) in rooms where you spend the most time (remember to look for the CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly®).

certified products

Using CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® products in your home can help you have a healthier indoor environment, as well as reduce allergens.

To learn more about the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program, visit: aafa.org/certified.