Dander Dilemma

PEEVES Dander Dilemma (NAPSA)—Americans love their pets, but few are as fond of the way pets can affect indoor air quality. Pet owners should be aware that animal dander, cat saliva and pets tracking in dirt and debris from outside can be a source of indoorair pollution. Dander can be a problem for visitors with allergies to cats and dogs since it stays in the air for a long time. The other air-quality People with pets should have their heating and air-conditioning systems inspected for biological pollutants, then cleaned if needed. problem created by the presence of pets is that air ducts and ventilation systems can becomeclogged with pet hair, making them a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. That’s one reason it’s so important to have your HVACsystem cleaned on a regularbasis. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends that air-handler units be inspected at least once a year and cleaned as needed. When hiring an HVACinspection, maintenance and restoration contractor, make sure the company is a member of NADCA. For more information, call (202)737-2926 or visit www.nadca.com.