Outdoor pollution and smog can wreak havoc on your health, but contaminants inside the home can be just as harmful. Experts at WebMD offer these suggestions for improving indoor air quality.

Dust mites and mold love moisture. Use a dehumidifier (and an air conditioner during summer months) to help reduce moisture and control allergens. When cooking, running the dishwasher or bathing, turn on an exhaust fan or open a window to remove excess moisture. Be sure the clothes dryer is vented to the outside, and fix plumbing leaks to prevent mold from forming.

Make your home a no-smoking zone. Secondhand cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals and can increase the risk of respiratory infections, asthma, cancer and sudden infant death syndrome in children. If entertaining guests who smoke, request that they do so outdoors.

Test your home for radon. This colorless, odorless gas is produced from the natural decay of uranium found in soil and seeps into the house through cracks and holes in the foundation. A radon test is easy and inexpensive to use, and can help you find the source of radon.

Replace laundry products and soaps containing synthetic fragrances with scent-free or naturally-scented laundry products and mild cleansers. Refrain from using aerosol sprays, such as furniture polish, hair sprays and air fresheners. Open the windows and let in fresh air so toxic chemicals don’t build up in your home, and use an air conditioner to keep rooms well ventilated.

Taking these simple steps will help you and your family breathe easier.

Photo courtesy of Dillon Scheps