The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says levels of indoor air pollution can be between two and five times higher — and occasionally as much as 100 times higher — than outdoor air. Indoor air pollution can be such a problem that the EPA ranks poor indoor air quality among the top five environmental risks to public health. These statistics are particularly eye-opening, given that we spend upwards of 90 percent of our day indoors.

There are a number of common misconceptions about indoor air quality. For instance, many consumers believe that because their homes are clean, their indoor air is clean, too. The truth is that airborne particulates such as dust, smoke, mold spores and pet dander can be widespread in even the cleanest homes. And as many consumers are sealing their homes more tightly to conserve energy, they’re reducing natural circulation and sealing in those airborne pollutants.

Another common misconception is that healthy adults aren’t susceptible to the effects of poor indoor air quality. While poor indoor air poses particular risks for children, the elderly and those affected by asthma and allergies, everyone’s health can suffer by breathing polluted air. Effects from exposure to poor indoor air may include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness and fatigue.

Think about it: Many people drink purified water and use hand sanitizers, but they aren’t doing anything to help purify the air that they are breathing because they don’t believe anything can be done to help improve indoor air quality problems.

The truth is that effective, affordable portable air purifiers, such as Honeywell air purifiers, eliminate up to 95 to 99.97 percent of microscopic airborne pollutants (0.3 microns or larger) that pass through their filters. Some air purifiers are even effective at fighting certain viruses and other germs. Portable air purifiers also help circulate the air in a room, usually several times per hour, to reduce airborne allergens and stale air. Consumers should use an air purifier in the rooms where they spend the most time, such as the bedroom and living areas.

Honeywell air purifier products, manufactured by Kaz, Inc., are available at major retailers including Target, Wal-Mart, Sears, Amazon.com and The Home Depot. To find out which type of air purifier is best for your needs, visit http://www.honeywellcleanair.com.

Traditionally, consumers seeking high-efficiency laundry turn to front-loading machines. In fact, the survey uncovered that more than a third of consumers agreed that top-load washers use more energy than front load machines — a common misconception in today’s marketplace.

“Historically, front-load laundry pairs have led the industry in capacity and efficiency,” said Mary Zeitler, home economist, Whirlpool Institute of Fabric Science, “but nearly three-quarters of American households rely on top-load laundry configurations. Now, as more families look to save on energy, water and utility costs, it is important to understand that they can enjoy the best of both worlds.”

High-efficiency washing machines use up to 50 percent less energy than traditional models by washing clothes in a smaller pool of water. With less water in the cycle, the machine needs less energy to heat the clothes. Additionally, HE machines spin clothes at a faster rate and extract more water, thus reducing the amount of time required in the dryer.

“Now that high efficiency is available in both configurations, it is important that consumers understand the difference between a high-efficiency machine and other models,” said Zeitler. “Since an HE machine has such a tremendous impact on household energy and water bills, I recommend consumers seriously consider these models when replacing older machines. The savings add up fast.”

With proper maintenance on their HE machines, consumers can ensure peak efficiency and energy savings for years to come. It is best to use only HE detergent with HE washers to prevent oversudsing and build-up of residue. Futhermore, it is best to run full loads, but not overload the washer, to make sure clothes come out clean.

Whirlpool brand now offers two of the most eco-conscious top-load washing machines on the market — the Cabrio HE washer and an updated “Classic” conventional washer, in addition to the popular front-loading Duet model. All three models are ENERGY STAR qualified and use at least 50 percent less water and energy than conventional machines.

For more information on high-efficiency and HE laundry, consumers can log onto http://www.whirlpool.com.

The truth is, the recognizable smell of a new car or fresh coat of paint actually comes from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The new survey, conducted by FLOR, a manufacturer and marketer of design-inspired carpet tiles, found that 91 percent of Americans are concerned about the environment, but only 10 percent say they are familiar with VOCs — and why they are unsafe.

VOCs are harmful gases released by everyday household items, including paint, carpets, cleaning supplies, aerosol sprays, air fresheners and some cosmetics. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air consistently contains 10 times the amount of VOCs as outdoor air. Given that Americans typically spend 80 to 90 percent of their time indoors, many people face prolonged exposure. The problem? VOCs can lead to asthma and other respiratory problems.

While an overwhelming majority, 91 percent, of respondents expressed concern about the environment, 61 percent reported that they throw unwanted carpet in the trash or place it on the curb for someone to take, according to the recent FLOR survey. What people fail to realize is that it can take 50 years for wool to break down in a landfill, and 250,000 years for man-made fibers, like nylon and carpet backing, to completely decay.

The FLOR survey also uncovered that a small percentage of people actually opt for some of these other disposal solutions, with only 15 percent of consumers choosing to recycle their old carpeting, and 25 percent choosing to donate it to others. But, FLOR is doing its part to offer people a more responsible alternative. Consumers can participate in the company’s environmental efforts through FLOR’s Return & Recycle Program, where old FLOR tiles can be returned to be recycled into new product. Many FLOR products contain renewable or recycled materials and meet the Carpet and Rug Institute’s (CRI) Green Label Plus standard for VOC emissions.

“FLOR has always been a believer in providing smart solutions for the home,” says Greg Colando, president, FLOR. “We want to help consumers understand the range of eco-friendly issues and products out there when it comes to renovating or updating home décor.”

For more information, visit http://www.FLOR.com.