For a healthy home

Outdoor particulates and contaminants

Outdoor particulates and contaminants are brought into the home by our shoes.

• Dangers
  Loaded with pollutants, they enter the body by inhalation and can cause respiratory problems.
• What can I do to protect myself from outdoor contaminants?
  Limit the number of outdoor pollutants from entering the home. An entranceway large enough to be able to remove and store one’s footwear is both simple and effective. The storage space must be large enough to accommodate two pairs of shoes per resident.
  
  You can also install a good air exchanger or a heat recovery ventilator (HRV). In exhausting stale air, moisture and airborne fungal particles, the ventilation may help to reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses. When it is equipped with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, the HRV prevents even outdoor pollutants from entering the home. To guarantee its energy efficiency, it is preferable to opt for an approved ENERGY STAR® model that is HVI (Home Ventilating Institute) certified. Three hours is the time required for the HRV to renew all the air in the home.