According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly, years later.

Immediate effects may show up after a single exposure or repeated exposures. These include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.

Such immediate effects are usually short-term and treatable. Sometimes the treatment is simply eliminating the person's exposure to the source of the pollution, if it can be identified.

Symptoms of some diseases, including asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and humidifier fever, may also show up soon after exposure to some indoor air pollutants.

A booklet is prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to help you decide whether to take actions that can reduce the level of indoor air pollution in your own home.

The air fresheners we use release such toxins, also. Do you use or have any of these items in your home? Of course, we all do!

Other pollutants include viruses and bacteria that are spread by people and animals. Cats and dogs or other pets spread bacteria through their saliva and dander. Of course, the pollen in the air causes allergies which come from plants, indoors and out.

The dried urine from mice, rats or roaches produce an allergen that permeates the air and causes respiratory and other problems. Dust mites, which produce allergens, live in warm moist places such as mattresses, bed sheets, cloth furniture, curtains and carpets.

And, as you know, mold and mildew breed in damp areas like bathrooms, kitchens and water damaged materials. Indoor air purifiers can virtually eliminate that problem for you!

Many diseases and other health issues are brought on by these indoor air pollutants. Colds, flu, coughing, sneezing, itchy watery eyes, yes, respiratory problems, such as asthma, nasal congestion, sinus infections, chicken pox, measles, and digestive problems can all be the result of pollutants.

So, what can you do to protect yourself and your family?

- There are many things you can do to help prevent and eliminate your home of pollutants:

- If anyone smokes make sure they go outside

- Kill dust mites by washing your sheets weekly in hot water.

- Dust furniture regularly

- Fix any leaky pipes immediately to prevent mold and mildew

- Improve ventilation in your home by opening windows to allow fresh outdoor air to come inside.

- Make sure exhaust fans for the bathrooms and over the stove are working properly.

- Be sure that dryers vent outside instead of inside a garage or laundry room.

- Reduce or eliminate the use of aerosol sprays or toxic chemicals for cleaning. Use natural products such as vinegar and peroxide, rubbing alcohol or baking soda instead.

Installing home purifiers will help eliminate 99% of pollutants. You can find more information about ridding your home of toxic pollutants by visiting the listed site below.