Air pollution is often associated with the outdoors. Images of crowded cities with dense smog, smokestacks filling the sky with chemicals, or busy highways congested with cars come to mind. But your indoor air quality can be just as bad or even worse.

Research from the EPA reveals our indoor air quality can be anywhere from 2x to 5x more polluted than outdoors. And with most of us spending nearly 90% of our time indoors, it’s important to understand what pollutants are affecting you at home.

So what could possibly be in your indoor air? Let’s walk through some of the most common pollutants found indoors, where they come from, and how you can take control of them.

Dust and Dust Mites

Do you have shelves, carpets, curtains or furniture collecting dust bunnies? Dust is more than just dirt. It can also include dead skin cells, pet dander, fabric fibers and tiny insects known as dust mites.

Dust mites are microscopic and prefer to live in warm humid areas. They survive by feeding on dead skin that we shed every day. When disturbed, dust mites leave their bodies airborne. Breathing in their waste can trigger sneezing, runny noses and asthma attacks.

Vacuum often and wash your bedding with hot water to reduce dust mites. Invest in an air purifier that uses a HEPA filter to trap dust before it gets circulated.

Mold Spores

Mold loves moisture. Showers, basements, kitchens, sinks and window sills are all magnets for mold. When mold grows indoors, it releases millions of microscopic spores into the air. You might not see the full mold colony, but those spores spread throughout your home daily.

When inhaled, mold spores can lead to coughing, irritated throats and red eyes. For asthmatics and those allergic to mold, these effects are even worse. Certain types of black mold can cause severe respiratory infections due to mycotoxins they release.

Controlling moisture will help prevent mold growth in your home. Repair leaky pipes, turn on bathroom fans when showering and use a dehumidifier to keep humidity low. Clean mold spots as soon as they appear with a mold-killing spray.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s)

Think about the cleaning products, paint or bug spray you use in your home. Do you know when you spray those, you’re breathing in VOC’s? VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. As products of gas, they fill your air with chemicals.

Formaldehyde is a common VOC that you’ll find in pressed wood furniture, flooring products or insulation. Long term exposure can cause respiratory distress and even cancer in high levels.

Many VOC’s will decrease over time as the product fully off-gases. You can help speed up the process by increasing airflow. Look for low or zero VOC paints when redecorating. Open windows whenever possible to ventilate your home.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas with no smell or taste. It results from fuels not burning properly. Gas ranges, fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters and attached garages are all possible sources of CO.

When breathed in at low levels, it can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches or nausea. Higher levels can kill you in a matter of minutes.

Install a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home. Test the batteries monthly and take action if it ever goes off. You should never ignore a CO detector. Get your family out of the house and call for help.

Radon Gas

Radon is radioactive gas that comes from the soil and rock under your home. It enters through cracks in your foundation and can build up in your basement or lower levels of your home.

Radon caused 21,000 lung cancer deaths in 2020 (in the US). It’s considered the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. You cannot see or smell radon. The only way to detect it is with a test kit.

Radon kits are fairly inexpensive and easy to use. You can pick one up at your local hardware store or online. If your results are higher than 4 pCi/L then the EPA suggests you take action to reduce it.

The average cost to install a radon mitigation system that reduces radon is $1,200. Hiring a professional to do the installation will cut down on radon gas in your home.

Pet Dander

Does your house smell like Fido? If you own a dog, cat, bird or other furry friend you are carrying around pet dander. Dander is made up of tiny, light flakes of skin that pets shed.

Pet dander can travel through your air unknowingly. Because it’s so light, dander can float in the air for days. Pet dander also sticks to furniture, walls and clothing.

Animal dander is one of the most common causes for indoor allergies. If you don’t think you’re allergic to pets, dander can irritate you over time. Symptoms of dander include sneezing, itchy eyes and congestion.

Brushing your pet often and keeping them off the furniture will help. Purifiers with HEPA filters help capture dander floating in the air. Something as simple as washing your hands when you pet Fido can reduce your exposure.

Tobacco Smoke

Last but not least, we have tobacco smoke. Not only is tobacco smoke hazardous when inhaled by the smoker, but it can cause health issues for those around them.

Secondhand smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals with hundreds proven to be harmful. Children and elderly with asthma are most at risk for secondary smoke.

Thirdhand smoke is chemical residue left on carpets, walls and furniture. Someone smoked in your home years ago, you’re still being affected by toxins!

The best solution for tobacco smoke is to not allow smoking in your home. If someone needs to smoke, keep them outside and away from windows and doors.

How You Can Improve Indoor Air Quality

Taking care of your indoor air quality can be simple. Start with these easy tips:

• Regularly open windows to create fresh airflow.

• Use exhaust fans in kitchen/bathrooms.

• Change your HVAC filters every 1-3 months.

• Grow indoor plants that help filter air.

• Keep your humidity below 50% to prevent mold growth.

• Schedule annual checkups on gas appliances.

You spend lots of time indoors. The quality of air you breathe affects how you sleep at night, how you feel throughout the day and how you stay healthy long-term. Take control of the pollutants in your home and you’ll notice an improvement in your family’s health.

The following case study provided by the EPA discusses a home where poor IAQ was causing health problems:

In Minnesota there was a family who began to experience chronic respiratory problems in their home. The children had frequent coughs and congestion, itchy eyes and aggravated asthma symptoms. They suffered more during the winter months when the home’s windows remained closed.

The family suspected seasonal allergies but eventually decided to call in an IAQ specialist. The specialist found numerous indoor airborne pollutants throughout the home. There were mold spores growing inside the bathroom walls from a slow leak under one of the sinks. Inside the carpets and mattresses, the house had high levels of dust mites. Additionally, there were VOCs being emitted from recently installed carpet tiles.

Once they fixed the leak and replaced affected materials, increased ventilation, and installed HEPA filtration systems their IAQ began to improve within weeks. Their asthma was less of an issue and headaches were non-existent. “The difference was night and day,” they said. “We didn’t realize how unhealthy our air was until it was cleaned!”

Do you think you have indoor air pollution?

Frequently Asked Questions What are the top 3 indoor air pollutants?

The most common indoor air pollutants are often dust mites, mold, pet dander, and smoke. Household chemicals and VOCs can also cause issues for some people.

How do I naturally clean the air in my home?

You can improve your indoor air quality by opening windows, keeping humidity low, cleaning often, using exhaust fans, changing HVAC filters, and not allowing your house to become cluttered with dust and moisture.

Do air purifiers help with indoor air pollution?

Air purifiers can be quite effective when trying to improve indoor air quality. Look for air cleaners with HEPA filters. Not only will they remove particulates like dust, pollen, and pet hair from the air but some will help eliminate odors and VOCs as well.

What are the causes of poor indoor air quality?

Household chemicals, poor ventilation, mold, dust, humidity, and tobacco smoke can cause your indoor air quality to suffer. New furniture, paint, and air fresheners can also introduce new chemicals into the air.

Can indoor air pollution make you ill?

Yes, indoor air pollution can cause health problems. Continuous exposure to poor IAQ can cause headaches, nausea, tiredness, dizziness, irritation of the sinuses, and upset lungs.

How do I know if my air filter needs changing?

If you can’t remember the last time you changed your filter it’s probably been too long. Most filters need replacing every few months. Smokehouses, pet owners, and those who have allergies may need to change their filters more often.

Is mold in your house dangerous?

Mold can become a hazard to your health. It can be worse for some individuals with asthma or weakened immune systems. Left alone, mold can spread throughout your home easily through the air.

What humidity level should indoor air be?

The ideal indoor humidity level should be between 30-50%. Lower humidity levels will help prevent mold growth and dust mites.

Will pets harm indoor air quality?

Pets can affect your indoor air quality. Animals leave hair and dander behind which can stick to furniture, carpet, and just about any surface you can think of. Dander is one of the top causes for indoor allergies.

Why is indoor air quality important?

Because you spend most of your time inside your home, the air you breathe can affect your sleep, comfort, and overall health. Improving your IAQ can give you better lung function while indoors.

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