(BPT) - With spring on the horizon, airborne allergens and pollutants can cause much grief to homeowners who suffer from breathing problems such as asthma and seasonal allergies. With the potential for increased irritation, allergy sufferers typically seek long-term, consistent relief any way they can.

Regardless of the season, allergens, dust particles and pollutants can penetrate even the smallest of gaps of a home, leading to potential respiratory problems for occupants. When combined with airborne moisture, the potential for breathing problems is noticeably high. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that Americans, on average, spend around 90 percent of their time indoors, so improving indoor air quality is an investment in lifestyle comfort and well-being.

Indoor and outdoor sources such as chemical cleaning supplies, insecticides, carbon monoxide, mold, dirt and dust can all contribute to poorer indoor air quality. For instance, in low-traffic areas such as attics and cellars, an accumulation of dust or moisture that eventually breeds mold can significantly affect the air quality of the whole home.

Homeowners can take steps to improve the indoor air quality of their home. Regular cleaning with environmentally sensitive products and tools is a great way to reduce the amount of dust within the home. Fewer dust particles in the home reduces the potential for irritation.

Another effective solution is using an air purification unit to attract dust particles and return cleaner air throughout the house. The unit works to provide cleaner, fresher air in the home and the amount of allergens and particles in the home is noticeably minimized.

Homeowners can also stop the dust particles and allergens entering their home from the outset. Using an air-sealing product such as spray foam insulation eliminates air leakage, thereby helping reduce the amount of particles and allergens that enter the home. The air-sealing qualities of spray foam insulation, like that available from Icynene, help reduce the infiltration of pollutants, airborne allergens, and airborne moisture. The product both insulates and air seals a home by expanding up to 100 times its size within seconds to fill any gaps and cracks within the building.

The air barrier that spray foam insulation creates helps prevent pollutants, dust and irritants from penetrating the structure, even in low traffic areas such as the attic. In addition to helping alleviate respiratory distress, spray foam insulation has the added benefit of protecting against the threat of moisture and mold, as well as reducing flanking noise for a quieter home.

Spray foam insulation works to provide constant indoor comfort and protection, as along with the opportunity for homeowners to significantly reduce heating and cooling bills, in some cases by up to 50 percent. More information can be found online at www.icynene.com.