How To Improve Indoor Air Quality

Essential steps for cleaner, healthier indoor environments

📋 List of common pollutants, side effects, sources, and pollution-fighting plants

⚠️ Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

According to the National Safety Council, Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, and 65 percent of that time at home. Poor indoor air quality significantly impacts vulnerable populations: infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.

Key Fact: Pollutant levels indoors can be 2-100 times higher than outdoors (U.S. EPA)

Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality

🌬️ Most Important Step: Fresh Air Circulation

Studies show that indoor air should be changed several times daily to prevent pollutant buildup. If you or family members experience unexplained drowsiness, headaches, or general malaise, try increasing fresh air circulation.

Clean Air Naturally: Open windows (even just a crack) at least several times daily
Check Ventilation: Ensure all vents are unblocked and operating properly
Maintain Filters: Change HVAC filters regularly and clean kitchen, bathroom, and dryer vents

🔧 Air Purification Systems

Consider installing an air purifier or purification system.

⚠️ Caution: Ozone-based air cleaners are not recommended. Both the U.S. EPA and California Air Resources Board have issued advisories against their use.
Regular Maintenance: Have air-conditioning systems inspected regularly to prevent internal contamination
Biological Contaminants: Maintain humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and AC units; empty water trays frequently; address water damage promptly

🧽 Green Cleaning Practices

Indoor pollution largely comes from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that evaporate from decorating and cleaning products. The key is to reduce chemical inputs into your environment.

"Just because a product says it's natural doesn't mean it's nontoxic," - Jeffrey Hollender, CEO of Seventh Generation
DIY Solutions: Mix your own cleaning products using common household items
Natural Fresheners: Use safe, do-it-yourself air fresheners

🌱 Natural Air Purification

Introduce green plants to naturally reduce indoor air pollution levels.

🐛 Natural Pest Control

Use natural pest control techniques indoors and avoid pesticides in gardens and lawns, as toxins can be tracked inside.

🚭 Smoking Prevention

Do not smoke or allow smoking in your home. Avoid indoor areas where smoking occurs. Get tips to stop smoking.

⚠️ Carbon Monoxide Prevention

  • • Keep gas appliances properly serviced
  • • Have central heating systems inspected and cleaned yearly
  • • Never idle cars in attached garages
  • • Install automatic door closers on garage-to-house doors

🔬 Radon Testing

Test your home for radon - a naturally occurring radioactive gas linked to lung cancer. Any home can have radon issues, regardless of age or construction type.

Easy Testing: Purchase do-it-yourself kits at hardware stores
Resources: Visit EPA at epa.gov/radon or find your state's radon office

🔧 Plumbing Maintenance

Keep plumbing traps filled with water to prevent sewer gas from entering your home.

📚 References

  • • California Environmental Testing - Mold Testing Resources
  • • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - www.epa.gov
  • • BuildingEcology.com - Comprehensive indoor air quality resources

Information contained on this website is provided as general reference only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought.