Indoor air quality problems can be caused by indoor air pollution sources, including the cockroach allergen, pet dander, oil, gas, kerosene, building materials, damp carpet, cleaning products and outdoor pollution leaking inside.

Unhealthy air quality can induce health problems:
o Short-term: irritated eyes, runny nose, sore throat and headaches.
o Long-term: asthma, heart disease, respiratory disease or even cancer.

Causes of Indoor Air Pollution:

• Scented candles and incense
• Poor ventilation
• Cockroaches
• Mold
• Animal dander
• Secondhand smoke
• Filter neglect

63 Percent of Homes are Affected by the Cockroach Allergen

• Of all indoor air pollutants, the cockroach allergen is one of the most common in homes around the country.
• Around 63 percent of all U.S. households have a detectable level of the cockroach allergen in the home, according to a 2005 study by The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
• The link between cockroaches and asthma has been found in scientific research dating back to the 1970s. Between 78 and 98 percent of urban homes have cockroaches, and 23 to 60 percent of urban residents are allergic to the cockroach allergen, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
• Combat® brand is focusing on communicating the importance of the cockroach allergen in creating unhealthy indoor air environments because of the strong connection between cockroach infestation and respiratory problems, especially among youth.
• Combat cockroach control products include gels and baits. These products are placed and left where cockroaches are seen. Cockroaches feed at the bait then take the poison back to their nest where they kill the entire population, not just the cockroaches that are visible.  Eliminating the cockroach problem will help to manage the indoor air quality.
   
• Tips on How to Make Indoor Air Healthier
  From Dr. Gretchen Phillips
•  Vacuum often, at least two to three times a week.
•  Vacuum cleaner should be HEPA certified or double-bagged to prevent particle proliferation.
•  Limit pet access to private areas like bedrooms.
•  Absolutely no smoking.
•  Use air conditioning in the summer to prevent outside irritants from getting inside.
  
  Quotes
  Dr. Gretchen Phillips
• “The best thing about creating healthy indoor air environments is it’s a very simple and affordable process.
• ”"Whether I'm talking to patients in clinic or on the radio, my best medical advice is consistent and simple. It's all about prevention, prevention, prevention."
• "In our efforts to improve our health, a lot more attention should be given to improving indoor air quality.”

For more than 130 years, Henkel has been a leader with brands and technologies that make people's lives easier, better and more beautiful.  Henkel operates in three business areas – Home Care, Personal Care, and Adhesives Technologies – and is ranked among the Fortune Global 500 companies. More than 60 percent of Henkel’s sales are in fast-moving consumer goods, while the industrial business accounts for almost 40 percent of the company’s total sales. In fiscal 2007, Henkel generated sales of 13,074 million euros and operating profit of 1,344 million euros. Our more than 55,000 employees worldwide are dedicated to fulfilling our corporate claim, "A Brand like a Friend," and ensuring that people in more than 125 countries can trust in brands and technologies from Henkel.