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Go Online With The American Lung Association

November 11, 2004 -- To help people learn about and reduce dust mites from their homes, the American Lung Association and ProTeam, maker of high-performance vacuum cleaners, have launched a simple online quiz with the first 250 participants receiving a free ProTeam ProDuster, anti-static dusting demo kit. With a time limit of 30 seconds per question, visitors quickly choose from multiple-choice answers to questions that test their knowledge about dust mite basics: where they live in your home, what they feed on, how they can affect your breathing, and how to control them. Anyone who answers all seven questions of the Dust Mite Quiz will receive a free ProDuster professional dusting tool - regardless of their score. Take the quiz at http://lungusa.kintera.org/dustmites. The American Lung Association and ProTeam, manufacturer of state-of-the-art high-efficiency vacuum cleaners, have created a partnership focused on educating the public about improving their indoor air quality. Recent surveys indicate that Americans are not well aware of the dangers of poor indoor air quality, but it can have a major impact on individuals breathingparticularly for people with chronic lung diseases such as asthma, said John L. Kirkwood, President &, CEO of the American Lung Association. Poor indoor air quality can cause short-term problems such as coughing, headaches and dizziness, and can contribute to and worsen chronic breathing problems. , , , , Dust mites can be a contributing factor to allergies and asthma in environments as varied as homes, hotels and healthcare facilities. Dust mites look like microscopic versions of ticks and spiders. They grow best where it is warm and humid and live on a diet of human skin particles found throughout homesparticularly in bedrooms. To control dust mites, the American Lung Association suggests the following: Cover mattresses and pillows with airtight plastic or vinyl covers. Wash bedding in hot water (at least 130 degrees F). Remove stuffed animals from the bedroom. Remove upholstered furniture and fabric-covered items from the bedroom, use washable curtains and area rugs. Do not allow furry/feathered pets into the bedroom. Remove carpets, especially in the bedrooms and basement. Wet-mop floors. Vacuum regularly, using special allergen-controlling bags or machines. Clear any clutter that is likely to collect dust. Improve ventilation. Stop using humidifiers. Dehumidify and keep the humidity level below 60%. Place filters over heating vents. Use high efficiency air filters on heating ducts. Use air cleaners. For more information about indoor air quality and lung health, visit www.lungusa.org or call 1-800-LUNG-USA. ProTeam ProTeam, Inc. designs, manufacturers and markets a full line of commercial-quality high-end vacuum cleaners. Since 1987, ProTeam has been recognized as a leader in efficient vacuum cleaner filtration, cleaning effectiveness, quality, durability and advanced features. ",Cleaning for Health, a company trademark, is the guiding philosophy for product development. The company markets its products through a nationwide sales force, and independent vacuum and specialty retailers across the country. ProTeam is headquartered in Boise, ID, where it also maintains its core manufacturing operations. Visit www.proteamvacs.com. American Lung Association For 100 years, the American Lung Association has been the lead organization working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease death rates continue to increase while other leading causes of death have declined. The American Lung Association funds vital research on the causes of and treatments for lung disease. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung Association is Improving life, one breath at a time. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or log on to www.lungusa.org. The American Lung Association does not endorse products.