How to Improve the Air Quality Inside Your Home
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Ever since humans built fire and brought it into the home for heating and cooking, indoor air pollution has been a problem. In fact, some research suggests homes and buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in large industrialized cities. And, since many of us spend about 20 hours per day or 85 percent of our time inside, the health risks can be significant.
Fortunately, you can help protect yourself and your family from the short- and long-term effects of indoor air pollution. Getting rid of whatever’s wrong is usually the most effective solution. Try it; you’ll all breathe a lot easier.
| Indoor Pollutant | What It Is | Why It’s Bad | What to Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | Radioactive gas in the soil that can enter your home through cracks and openings in floors and walls that are in contact with the ground | Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall | Test your home with a DIY test kit available at home improvement or hardware stores. If your radon level is high, find a professional radon contractor to recommend the right way to fix the problem. |
| Secondhand smoke | Smoke from burning tobacco products | Secondhand smoke can cause cancer and respiratory illnesses, especially in children | Don’t allow smoking in your home or car. |
| Carbon monoxide | Colorless, odorless gas from sources such as gas water heaters, stoves and furnaces; unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; and automobile exhaust from attached garages. | Carbon monoxide causes headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea and even death | Inspect, maintain and properly ventilate all fuel-burning devices. Never idle the car inside the garage. Install a carbon monoxide detectors outside sleeping areas, and make sure they are UL Listed. |
| Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) | Chemicals in paints, lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, air fresheners, dry-cleaned clothing and other household items | VOCs cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, nausea and damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system. Some are suspected or known to cause cancer. | Buy certified low VOC products when possible. When using household products containing VOCs, follow the manufacturer’s directions and ventilate the area with fresh air. Keep out of reach of children and pets and throw away unused portions safely. |
| Mold | Microscopic fungi that can grow virtually anywhere moisture is present | Inhaling mold spores can cause asthma attacks in people sensitive to molds | Clean or replace surfaces and materials contaminated with mold. Fix sources of water such as leaky plumbing. Use exhaust fans when cooking or showering. Maintain 30-50 percent relative indoor humidity. |
To learn more about indoor air quality room-by-room from the EPA, click here
