The Impact of Indoor Air Quality on Health

June 19 2023
3 min reading time

Clean, breathable air is a fundamental necessity of life. While most people are aware of the adverse health effects of outdoor air pollution, less attention is given to the quality of air within our homes. However, indoor air quality (IAQ) is an equally significant factor affecting our health and well-being. This article will explore how the quality of air in your home can affect your health.

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality

We spend a significant portion of our lives indoors – whether it's our homes, workplaces, or schools. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often two to five times higher than typical outdoor concentrations. As such, the quality of the air we breathe indoors is of paramount importance.

Factors Affecting Indoor Air Quality

Several factors can influence indoor air quality, including inadequate ventilation, high temperature and humidity levels, and various indoor pollutants. Common sources of indoor pollution include tobacco smoke, household products, building materials, radon, pests, and even the occupants themselves (through activities like cooking and cleaning). Other factors, such as the presence of indoor plants, pets, and how often windows are opened, can also have a significant impact on indoor air quality.

Health Impacts of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality can cause or contribute to the development of infections, lung cancer, and chronic lung diseases such as asthma. It can also cause headaches, dry eyes, nasal congestion, nausea, and fatigue. More severe impacts include heart disease and respiratory diseases.

Respiratory Issues: Exposure to indoor pollutants can trigger allergies and asthma attacks. Dust mites, pet dander, mold, and secondhand smoke are some of the most common triggers. Long-term exposure can lead to the development of chronic respiratory diseases and lung cancer.
Cardiovascular Problems: Some indoor pollutants, such as secondhand smoke and radon, can cause serious cardiovascular problems. Long-term exposure to these pollutants can lead to heart disease, among other serious health issues.
Neurological Effects: Chronic exposure to certain indoor pollutants like carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can lead to neurological problems. These can include symptoms like headaches, nausea, fatigue, and in severe cases, impaired coordination and memory loss.
Immune System Impact: Some pollutants can impact the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. This can lead to an increased risk of infectious diseases.

Improving Indoor Air Quality

Improving the quality of air inside your home can be achieved through several practical measures:

Ventilation: Increase the amount of fresh air in your home by opening windows and doors whenever possible, using fans to circulate air, and ensuring your home's ventilation systems are clean and properly maintained.
Control Sources of Pollution: Remove or reduce as many sources of pollution as possible. This includes not smoking indoors, using natural cleaning products, and maintaining your home's humidity level between 30% and 50% to prevent mold growth.
Air Purifiers: Air purifiers can remove some types of particles from the air, including allergens like pollen and dust mites. They can be particularly helpful for people with allergies or asthma.
Regular Cleaning: Regularly cleaning your home, including dusting and vacuuming, can help reduce indoor pollutants.
Maintain Indoor Plants: Certain indoor plants can help improve indoor air quality by removing certain pollutants from the air.