When was the last time you thought about the air you breathe? If you're not an allergy sufferer, it might only be when something irritating makes you sneeze, or when you accidentally end up behind an oil-burning lunker on the highway. But, while the quality of outdoor air may seem beyond your control, the quality of indoor air is not.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 2.4 million people per year actually die from air pollution related causes. Yet, indoor pollution is frequently not considered ? even though we relax, sleep, and rejuvenate in the air trapped within our own homes. Indoor pollution? ? yes! From volatile organic compounds found in many modern building and furnishing materials, to insulation, air fresheners, pesticides, pet dander, and mold-and-mildew, most homes are home to more unfriendlies than meet the eye?.

It has long been known that pollution may most strongly affect the elderly, asthma and lung patients, and those with heart conditions. What about the rest of us? Exposure to air pollution is known to result in biochemical changes that can cause wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing, even for the healthiest of individuals ? though some people seem almost ?immune?; that is, until they are not! And, what about the silent effects?

We do have a choice in the matter; we can choose where to live, and how to live. We choose also how our lifestyle impacts the shared environment and ecosystem ? the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the earth in whose care we are able to exist. Each choice defines us and our world, and what will be inherited by future generations.

Indoor air pollution can be managed by keeping volatile and smelly chemicals, paints, and cleaners out of the house; and by choosing healthy alternatives. And the next time you purchase a piece of furniture or have construction in your house, consider using the most healthy products available. And, if there has ever been a water leak of any kind in your house, it might be necessary to remove all wetted materials in order to prevent the eventual infestation of mold and mildew.

If this doesn't sound practical to you, it means that you're compromising ? and perhaps for a good reason. But, it is also true that outdoor air will enter even the most sanitary house, and dust and moisture will collect within and have their effects. Indeed, the very act of living and having a life constantly brings both little and big challenges to each of us; ones that become part of our world.

Air Purifiers are another way to help manage indoor pollution. A good air filtration system can clean your indoor air enough to significantly aid your body's ability to relax and rejuvenate; and some are also capable of killing mold and mildew. While we used to wait until our health demanded attention through painful symptoms, nowadays it seems that we have to be pro-active in order to maintain our health and happiness.