Indoor air pollution (IAQ) is a serious issue that affects millions of Americans, often without their knowledge. Many homeowners don’t realize that the air inside their homes can be more polluted than the air outside.
Indoor air pollution comes from various sources, including everyday household items, pets, and even the home’s HVAC system. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a range of health issues, from minor irritations to severe respiratory problems.
Luckily, homeowners can take specific steps to improve the air quality in their living spaces. Here, we give you 20 ways to reduce IAQ, from improving daily habits to making home improvements.
Understanding Indoor Air Pollution
Indoor air pollution occurs when harmful pollutants release or enter a building. Household cleaning products, building materials, and even outdoor air are all potential pollutants.
Types of Air Pollution in Your Home
Several common types of indoor air pollutants are:
- Bacteria and viruses: Pathogens that circulate through indoor spaces
- Cigarette smoke: A major contributor to indoor air pollution
- Dust mites: Microscopic creatures that feed on dead skin cells
- Mold and mildew: Fungi that thrive in damp environments and can cause respiratory issues
- Pet dander: Particles of skin, sweat, saliva, and fur that pets shed
- Pollen: A fine powdery substance from flowers that can trigger allergies
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Chemicals that vaporize from various household products
20 Ways to Reduce the Effects of Indoor Air Pollution
The checklist below will help you tackle indoor air pollution from multiple angles and improve air quality inside your home.
Many household cleaners have harmful chemicals that vaporize and pollute indoor air. When you shop for your cleaners, select natural, non-toxic products. Not only are they better for your health, but they’re also more environmentally friendly.
The proper humidity level in your home can prevent mold growth and reduce other air quality issues. Consider using a moisture alarm to monitor humidity levels in especially wet spaces, like the bathroom. Excessive humidity can foster mold and mildew, while too little can cause respiratory discomfort because of how dry the air is.
As part of your preventative maintenance, change filters on your HVAC system every one to three months. This tactic traps pollutants and improves your overall air quality, but filters can get dirty and less effective if you don’t change them often enough. Clean filters also help your system run more efficiently.
Certain plants, such as spider plants, snake plants, and ferns, absorb toxins and naturally purify indoor air. Putting these plants in your home makes your space more beautiful and contributes to a healthier living environment.
Natural ventilation improves indoor air quality. Fresh air can move throughout your home, which also reduces the concentration of indoor pollutants.
Exhaust fans can remove moisture, smoke, and odors, creating a healthier indoor environment. Make sure they vent outside rather than recirculating air indoors or into an attic space.
Carpets and rugs trap various pollutants, including dust mites, particle pollution, and mold spores. Regular vacuuming helps remove these contaminants. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter for the best results.
Gas appliances can release harmful pollutants, but a natural gas alarm can help detect leaks and keep your home safe. Immediate detection can also prevent potential health hazards and accidents.
Regularly grooming your pet can reduce dander and other allergens, so make sure you’re giving furry friends a bath and brush often. Consider limiting pet access to certain areas, especially near vents, preventing hair and skin particles from entering your HVAC system.
Regularly grooming your pet can reduce dander and other allergens, so make sure you’re giving furry friends a bath and brush often. Consider limiting pet access to certain areas, especially near vents, preventing hair and skin particles from entering your HVAC system.
Proper storage of chemicals and hazardous materials can prevent leaks and seepage that introduce airborne pollutants into your home. Make sure to keep these materials in well-ventilated areas and out of reach of children and pets.
Carbon monoxide is a dangerous, odorless gas that gas-powered appliances can produce. Installing detectors throughout your home can alert you to any leaks and potentially even save your life. Early detection of carbon monoxide can prevent serious health risks and fatalities.
Check that all appliances, especially those that create heat or combustion byproducts, are well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of harmful gases and fumes. Check your gas stoves, water heaters, and fireplaces.
While these products may make your home smell nice, they can release harmful particles and VOCs. Consider natural alternatives for freshening your home’s scent, such as essential oils.
Wash your bedding at least once a week to reduce dust mites and other allergens that can build up in your linens. Wash them with hot water to remove all the mites.
Chemical pesticides, even if you use them outside, can get inside your home and linger in the air, posing health risks. Use natural alternatives, like diatomaceous earth or essential oils, for pest control. These methods are less harmful to the environment and safer for your family and pets, too.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can increase the risk of lung cancer. Regular testing and mitigation can help keep radon levels in check. Radon test kits are widely available and provide a simple way to detect this dangerous gas.
A dehumidifier can help prevent mold and mildew growth in areas prone to high humidity, improving overall air quality. Make sure that you use a properly sized dehumidifier and empty it regularly.
When shopping for paint and furniture, look for low-VOC options to reduce long-term exposure to harmful chemicals. Many products carry the label “low-VOC” and are just as effective as their conventional counterparts.
Regular home maintenance can prevent leaks and water damage, both of which can lead to mold growth and other air quality issues. Timely repairs to roofing, plumbing, and other systems can save money and improve indoor air quality.
While not a replacement for other best practices, a whole-house air purifier can help remove most pollutants from your home’s air, including dander, mold, and airborne viruses. Make sure to choose a system that’s the right size for your home and specific needs.
The Impact of Air Conditioning on Indoor Air Quality
Air conditioning systems play a big role in keeping your home at a comfortable temperature, but they can also affect air quality if not well-maintained.
How Does Air Conditioning Affect Indoor Air Quality?
Air conditioners recycle the air already in a home, so they can trap polluted air and recirculate it. Regular AC unit upkeep is important to prevent the spread of dust, allergens, and other harmful substances throughout the home. Clean or replace the filters in your air conditioning units often, and consider getting your ducts cleaned, too.
The Role of Temperature and Humidity Control
Keeping your house at a reasonable temperature and humidity level is also essential for healthy indoor air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping relative humidity between 30% and 50% to prevent mold growth, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests indoor air temperatures stay between 68.5°F to 75°F for optimal air quality. These levels will increase both your comfort and health.
Proper Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality
Many home heating and cooling systems don’t bring fresh air into the house, which can lead to a buildup of indoor pollutants. Adding a specialized air-cleaning and ventilation system can help solve this issue and improve your overall air quality. Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) or energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) are excellent options for achieving balanced ventilation.
What Are the Health Effects of Indoor Air Pollution?
Exposure to indoor air pollutants can lead to short-term and long-term health problems. Short-term symptoms of exposure to indoor air pollutants include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Irritated eyes
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Prolonged exposure to poor indoor air quality can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory diseases, heart disease, cancer, and cognitive impairment.
Vulnerable Populations
Certain groups are more susceptible to the effects of indoor air pollution, especially children and older adults. People with pre-existing health conditions and lower-income households that have less access to quality healthcare are also vulnerable.
These populations may experience more severe health effects from exposure to indoor air pollutants and may benefit most from air quality improvement measures.
Final Thoughts About Reducing Indoor Air Pollution
Improving indoor air quality is vital to creating a healthier home environment. Homeowners can significantly reduce their exposure to harmful pollutants and create a safer living space for themselves and their families with small, meaningful changes.
Remember that it will be an ongoing process. Regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and mindful choices about household products can all contribute to cleaner, healthier air. By staying informed and proactive about indoor air pollution, homeowners can breathe easier and enjoy the many benefits of a healthier home.
