Learn how to improve air quality at home—for better health and peace of mind.
While we typically think about air pollution in crowded cities or near smoke-plumed factories, you might be surprised to learn that indoor air pollutants exist inside your home, too. These invisible irritants can linger in the air, contributing to health issues, discomfort, and even stress. Making an effort to improve indoor air quality can reduce allergy symptoms, improve long-term health outcomes, and give you much-needed peace of mind. We’ve put together a guide to improving air quality so that you can breathe easy knowing the air in your home is safe and clean.
Why Having Good Indoor Air Quality is Important
If you’re like most modern Americans, you spend a lot of time indoors. In fact, the EPA has found that the average American spends over 90% of their life indoors every year! [1] What’s more concerning is that the EPA has found that concentrations of some indoor air pollutants can be two to five times more concentrated than outdoors (or even higher in extreme circumstances).[2] Indoor air quality can affect a person’s health, comfort, and ability to work—which is why it’s so important to ensure good indoor air quality.[3] Air pollutants can impact your health in the short-and long-term. Regular exposure to poor indoor air quality can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat and cause headaches and fatigue.[4] For those with pre-existing conditions, like asthma, poor air quality can exacerbate symptoms.[5] In the long-term, poor indoor air quality has been linked to respiratory disease, heart disease, and even cancer.[6] Ensuring that the air you breathe is safe and pollutant-free can help you and your family stay healthy and safe.
What Causes Bad Indoor Air Quality?
The primary cause of indoor pollution is the release and accumulation of harmful gases and particles.[7] Common indoor air pollutants can come from a variety of sources ranging from indoor particulate matter from cooking or fireplaces, to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints, wood preservatives, and disinfectants.[8] These sources of air pollution are higher inside homes and offices, regardless of whether these spaces were in industrial areas or rural areas. Research has found that high levels of pollution can persist for hours after the original emission.[9] Because of this, indoor spaces rely on ventilation and air filtering systems to minimize indoor pollution and improve air quality.
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
- Keep your house clean. Focusing on your home’s cleanliness is an easy way to improve your indoor air quality. Common indoor air pollutants like dust and mold can accumulate on surfaces like carpet if left unchecked.[10] Just by vacuuming and cleaning your home regularly, you can make great strides in improving your indoor air quality.
- Protect against pollutants. Eliminating air irritants like pests or dust mites can help curb indoor air pollution.[11] Even fragrances from air fresheners or chemical cleaners can reduce indoor air quality, so look for natural, fragrance-free options. If you don’t have a kitchen ventilation system, try putting a fan in your kitchen to help reduce emissions from a gas stove.
- Bring in fresh air. The great outdoors can be one of your greatest allies in minimizing indoor air pollution. If the weather is nice, open up those windows and let fresh air circulate inside. Fresh air will help dilute the concentration of any pollutants inside and promote good air quality.[12]
- Maintain your HVAC and air filtration systems. Many modern homes and offices have their own HVAC systems. These systems are key in helping us stay comfortable and healthy while indoors by heating, cooling, and filtering the air we breathe. Neglecting the maintenance of your air filtration systems can expose you to potentially unsafe levels of indoor air pollution and damage your HVAC system.[13] Any air filters you use in your day-to-day life, ranging from your air conditioner to your car’s cabin filter, should be replaced regularly. As a best practice, replace the filters on your air purifier every three to six months.
- Invest in an air purification system. Research shows that portable air cleaners can reduce indoor air pollution and help improve your indoor quality.[14] SoClean’s Air Purifier offers advanced filtration to create the purest air for your home and family. With multiple fan settings and a lightweight, portable build, this air purifier is perfect for the home, office, or anywhere else you may need it.
[10] Harvard Health Publishing
