According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we are exposed to two or three times more air pollution inside our homes than outdoors. Everything from mold to bacteria and even pet hair can make us sick. The good news is that you don't have to get rid of the family pet in order to start feeling better.

David Skusa, owner of Midwest Aire of Faribault, and Dr. Mae Beth Lindstrom of Slayton - an expert in 'sick houses' - will be on hand at the upcoming Women's Home Expo™, November 4th through 6th at the Minneapolis Convention Center, www.101expos.com, to discuss how to maintain healthy, pollution-free homes. They also will be giving demonstrations at booth #824. They will be joined by Bruce Bauer of Bauer Restoration. "Molds especially have the potential to cause health problems," comments Dr. Lindstrom, a chiropractic physician. "Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances. Symptoms may vary from dizziness to skin rashes."

Problems may arise in damp basements, in air systems, and even on sheetrock or cinder block. Skusa says some easy things you can do to help clean the air in your home include:

• Use bleach to remove any mold you might find on cinder block.
• If you choose HEPA filters, it must be recognized that when they become clogged the machine's air pressure could force the germs back into your living area. Frequent filter changes in an attempt to maintain air purity can be very expensive.
• Run a dehumidifier constantly to reduce the moisture in the air that mold needs to grow.

It's time to call a professional if allergies such as those from pet hair become a problem, or if your basement becomes so uncomfortable that you can't even use it. "At least have someone come in to evaluate your situation," says Skusa. "We can install specialized equipment that can recycle the air in your house about 10 times a day - reducing the opportunity for mold, radon and other gases from permeating the air."

A newer system, certified by the FDA as a Class 2 medical device, kills up to 99.9 percent of the mold spores, viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms in the air. "This unit, the Healthway, was developed through grant by the U.S. government to combat germ warfare. The technology of Healthway is such that the unit destroys the DNA of microorganisms, thus removing any opportunity for reproduction. It's just two feet tall and only weighs 30 pounds, but it can clean the air in a 1,000 square foot room about 70 times a day," Skusa explains.

The FDA medical devise classification permits the use of Healthway in hospitals, veterinary clinics, and other businesses, as well as in private homes. "It retails for just $700 so it's something everyone should definitely consider, especially if you have allergies, asthma or pets. It can even kill the virus that causes the avian flu."

Sponsors for the 2005 Women's Home Expo™ include SimonDelivers, English Heritage, FM 107; Floors Galore and More, Channels 5 and 45, Owens Corning Basement Finishing Systems, Bullfrog Spas and Wind & Water Spa Galleries. Proceeds from every paid admission to this year's Women's Home Expo™ will be donated to hurricane relief.

More information about the Women's Home Expo™ may be found at www.101expos.com or by calling the expo hotline at 612-798-7256. In addition to the Women's Home Expo™, Mid-America Events & Expos, Inc. produces the Seniors Expo™, the Body Mind Life Expo™, and the Seniors Spring Show™.

Media Note: For additional information, or to schedule an interview, please contact Media Relations, Inc. at 612-798-7203.