Bad Air Day Alert: Outdoor Air Pollutants at High Level

High Levels of Outdoor Air Pollution in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic May
Contribute to Poor Indoor Air Quality

ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Higher summertime levels of outdoor
ground-level ozone, microscopic particle pollution like smoke and smog, as
well as other air pollutants may cause anyone who is sensitive to these
airborne contaminants to experience shortness of breath, wheezing and
coughing, and may also trigger asthma attacks and cause lung irritation(1).
According to AIRNow.gov(2), a government-developed index for reporting daily
air quality, the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States,
including but not limited to Massachusetts, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey,
New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, are presently experiencing a code
orange(3) bad air day with the air quality index showing unhealthy levels of
ozone.

"Persons who are particularly susceptible to these effects, such as children,
the elderly and those with respiratory problems, need to be aware of outdoor
levels of air pollution," said Dr. Neil Schachter, past president of the
American Lung Association of the City of New York and author of Life and
Breath. "Even those who are healthy should avoid long-term outdoor exposure
on a bad air day."

But, we also need to pay attention to indoor air quality as well. Although
there is the potential for outdoor particles to make their way inside the
home, many other particles start in the home and stay there unless you have a
way to reduce them, notes Steve Ramos, featured home inspector on HGTV's House
Detective. According to the EPA, indoor levels of some pollutants may be two
to five times higher than outdoor levels.

"If you're trying to avoid outdoor pollution by staying indoors, take the
proper steps to help improve the air quality in your home," said Ramos.
"Remember to follow the four C's -- Control, Change, Close and Clean -- to
help reduce indoor air pollutants."

-- CONTROL or limit tracking pollutants from the outdoors into the home
by
leaving your shoes at the door. To increase your airflow and help
control humidity levels, move furniture away from walls and opening
closet doors. Finally, identify known outdoor allergen sources and
remove them from landscaping around the home.
-- CHANGE your old vacuum bag with one that contains a HEPA filter. Cheap
vacuum bags can stir up pollutants when vacuuming. Whenever possible,
replace carpet with hard surface flooring or area rugs that can be
easily cleaned. Also, upgrade air filters to a high-performance
filter,
such as a Filtrete filter from 3M, and change your air filter every
three months. A good way to remember this is to change the filter at
the start of every season.
-- CLOSE any gaps, such as those connecting to exhaust fans, which can
allow pollutants or water to spread in the home. Pay specific
attention
to the kitchen, bathrooms and areas that surround the home to ensure
condensation or standing water doesn't lead to mold growth. A leaky
roof increases the probability that mold will grow in the home, so
seal
around all vents, skylights and chimneys.

-- CLEAN and groom any pets on a regular basis to help keep pet dander at
bay. Whenever possible, keep your pets out of the bedroom and off
your
bed. Be sure to regularly wash bedding and linens at high heats -
approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit - to help keep dust mites from
collecting on your bedding. You should also regularly dust the blinds
and wash your curtains.

To check your city's outdoor air quality on a daily basis, visit AIRNow.gov.
For more tips on improving your indoor air quality, and to enter to win a home
inspection - including an air quality assessment - with House Detective Steve
Ramos plus $10,000, visit www.Filtrete.com.

About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of
innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is
applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms - often in combination
- to a wide array of customer needs. With $25 billion in sales, 3M employs
76,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more
information, visit www.3M.com.

(1) American Lung Association:
http://www.lungusa.org/site/c.dvLUK9O0E/b.315948/k.7E7D/Outdoor_Air_Pollution.htm
(2) The U.S. EPA, NOAA, NPS, tribal, state, and local agencies developed the
AIRNow.gov to provide the public with easy access to national air quality
information: http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=static.background
(3) According to AirNow.gov, code orange means the air is unhealthy for
sensitive groups

3M and Filtrete are trademarks of 3M.

(C) 3M 2009.

SOURCE 3M

Melissa Kuhn of Hunter Public Relations for 3M, +1-212-679-6600, ext. 223,
mkuhn@hunterpr.com; or Katherine Hagmeier of 3M, +1-651-575-4368