Lose the Shoes for a Healthier Home

Indoor air quality may have an even greater impact on your health than the air you breath outside. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American home is two to five times more polluted than the air outside, and sometimes even more. To make matters worse, Americans spend 90 percent of their time inside.

Fortunately, simply removing your shoes when entering your home can help make it a healthier place to live, says the EPA. This precaution will eliminate tracking in dirt, dust, mold, fertilizers, pesticides and other toxins. Otherwise, exposure to these contaminants can exacerbate allergies, asthma and chemical sensitivities.

It may be impossible to get everyone to comply with the no-shoe rule so keep a heavy-duty welcome mat at the front door. Wiping shoes thoroughly can also cut down on the contaminants brought into the home.