"Green" homes bad for asthma

Between remodeling older houses and building new ones, it's estimated that millions of more homes in the U.S. will get greener over the next four years. But in our efforts to save money and protect the environment, we've created some unintended consequences.

Asthma experts at National Jewish Health in Denver say since 1970 asthma rates in the U.S. have nearly tripled, and they believe that the problem begins at home.

"For every solution, there's a problem. Energy efficiency is really, really important, at the same time, what's staying in the house is staying in the house," MD Nathan Rabinovitch said.  “The amount of pollution that they were being exposed to was higher inside the home than outside the home for many of the kids."

To put this theory to the test, doctors had students carry air monitors for several weeks; not only at home, but on their way to and from school too.

Changing air filters and cleaning your home often can help cut down on breathing problems, but the best way to control indoor air pollution is to look outdoors. Simply opening your windows can help dry out and clear out all the things that might be making you sick.