We hear a lot about pollution and poor air quality in crowded urban areas and cities. But what about the air inside of your own home? No matter how "clean" or conscientious you are about keeping a sanitary house, poor indoor air quality is still a silent problem-maker lurking in the background. What, if anything, can be done about it?

What is Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor air quality, which is often abbreviated as IAQ, refers to the quality of air within buildings and structures (including your home). Generally speaking, when you hear IAQ being discussed, it's within the context of poor indoor air quality.

"Many factors contribute to poor indoor air quality. Indoor air includes pollutants that penetrate from the outdoors, as well as sources that are unique to the indoor environment," the NIH explains.

Common sources of indoor air pollutants include:

  • Human activities inside buildings, like burning fuels, cleaning, and smoking
  • Vapors from various construction materials, furniture, and equipment
  • Biological contaminants like viruses, mold, and allergens

Whether it's allergens, asbestos, carbon monoxide, pesticides, radon, or mildew, there are numerous contaminants that can gradually turn healthy air into a risk factor over time. But it's not just the contaminants that are an issue. They're often made worse by factors like:

  • Ventilation: How well air can move in and out of a home plays a significant role in determining IAQ. Lack of ventilation can lead to the accumulation of pollutants.
  • Humidity: High humidity levels can lead to mold growth, contributing to poor IAQ. Conversely, extremely low humidity can dry out and irritate the respiratory system.
  • Temperature: Extreme temperatures can exacerbate the effects of other pollutants.

The type of home matters, too. Older homes are more likely to have things like asbestos, lead paint, and mold due to the materials that were used in construction and design during those periods. That being said, newer homes usually have more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) due to the "off-gassing" that occurs when modern finishes and materials are used.

The Link Between Indoor Air Quality and Personal Health

The truth is that we don't fully understand the full impact of poor IAQ on our health. But as more research is applied to the topic, we know that it leads to issues like:

  • Respiratory disease
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Cognitive effects (impaired learning and functioning)
  • Lung cancer

While these may be the long-term effects, millions of people experience daily symptoms like nasal congestion, sore throat, chronic coughing, and breathing issues without realizing that the quality of air in their homes is to blame.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Home

Indoor air quality is a concern for homeowners, renters, and property managers – virtually anyone who lives within four walls and a roof. Here are some ways you can improve indoor air quality within your home.

  • Regular maintenance and cleaning. Regular cleaning can significantly reduce the amount of dust and allergens in the home. This includes vacuuming carpets and rugs, washing bedding, and dusting surfaces. Additionally, proper maintenance of appliances such as heaters, stoves, and air conditioners can reduce the emissions of harmful pollutants.
  • Good ventilation. Good ventilation can help reduce indoor pollutants by allowing fresh outdoor air to enter and circulate within the home. This can be achieved through opening windows, using exhaust fans, or installing a ventilation system. If outdoor air pollution is a concern, air filtration systems can be used in conjunction with ventilation.
  • Air and humidity solutions. Air purifiers can be effective in reducing certain pollutants such as allergens and smoke. Humidity control is also essential as high humidity levels can promote the growth of mold and dust mites. Dehumidifiers and humidifiers can help maintain an ideal indoor humidity level.
  • Houseplants. Some houseplants can also help improve indoor air quality. Certain species have been shown to absorb harmful substances like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. However, it's important to note that plants alone are not enough to significantly improve IAQ and should be used in conjunction with other measures.

There's no magic bullet for improving indoor air quality. However, with the right mixture of tactics and attention to detail, you can improve your home's IAQ and enjoy a healthier and happier lifestyle. Don't put these improvements off any longer!