Breathe Easy: Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

Written By Breathe California Sacramento Region

Breathe Easy: Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

You take about 20,000 breaths every day, and most of them happen indoors, but have you ever thought about the indoor air quality around you? Indoor air quality means how clean or polluted the air is inside buildings. It can affect how we feel, how we work, and even how healthy we are.[1]


Many people think of air pollution as something that only happens outside. However, the air inside our homes, schools, and workplaces can sometimes be even more polluted than the air outdoors. Smoke, mold, cleaning products, and chemicals from paints and furniture can all affect our indoor air quality (IAQ) and our health.[2] 

Poor indoor air quality often happens when:

  • Pollutants like gases or dust get trapped inside

  • There isn’t enough ventilation to bring in fresh outdoor air

  • Temperatures or humidity are too high

 Whether you live in an apartment, townhome, or house, old or new, there are many ways to protect and improve your indoor air.[3]

 

How Indoor Air Quality Impacts Health

We spend about 90% of our time indoors, so the quality of the air we breathe there matters a lot. Indoor air pollution can affect anyone, but it’s especially harmful for children, older adults, and people with health problems.

 Poor IAQ has been linked to many health issues, from eye and throat irritation to asthma, heart disease, and even cancer. Some health problems can show up right away, while others might not appear until years later.

 

Short-Term (Immediate) Effects[4][5]

  • Irritated eyes, nose, or throat

  • Headaches, dizziness, or fatigue

  • Asthma symptoms getting worse

These symptoms often fade when you leave the area or fix the source of pollution.

 

Long-Term Effects

  • Lung disease or respiratory issues

  • Heart disease

  • Cancer

 Even if you don’t feel sick, improving your indoor air can protect your health in the long run.

Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

Many things can affect the air inside our homes. Some pollutants come from inside, while others come from outside and get trapped indoors.[6]

 Here’s a breakdown of the most common sources of indoor air pollution:

 1. Combustion and Heating Sources[7]. When we burn fuel for cooking, heating, or lighting, harmful gases and tiny particles are released into the air.

 Examples:

  • Gas stoves and ovens can release nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide

  • Fireplaces and wood stoves give off smoke, fine particles, and other pollutants

  • Candles and incense can produce soot and chemical fumes

  • Non-electric space heaters or furnaces that aren’t properly vented can release carbon monoxide and other gases

 2. Building Materials and Furnishings. Many home products and materials release gases known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a process called off-gassing.

Examples:

  • Paints, varnishes, glues, and cleaning sprays

  • Carpets, furniture, and flooring materials

  • Air fresheners and scented candles

 3. Biological Pollutants. Biological contaminants come from living things, such as mold, dust mites, pets, or pests.

Examples:

  • Mold and mildew grow in damp areas like bathrooms or basements

  • Pet dander and dust mites collect in carpets and bedding

  • Cockroach or rodent droppings can become airborne and trigger allergies

  • Bacteria and viruses can spread through indoor air, especially in poorly ventilated spaces

 4. Outdoor Pollutants That Get Indoors. Pollution doesn’t stop at the door. Outdoor air can bring in contaminants that settle inside.

Examples:

  • Car exhaust and wildfire smoke

  • Pollen and outdoor dust

  • Industrial or construction emissions

 5. Soil Gases Like Radon. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that seeps into homes from the ground through cracks or foundation openings. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

 6. Occupant Activities and Lifestyle. What we do indoors matters! Many daily activities release pollutants into the air.

Examples:

  • Smoking or vaping

  • Cooking without proper ventilation

  • Using harsh cleaning chemicals

  • Burning candles or incense

 

How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

You can take simple steps today to make the air in your home cleaner and safer. Improving IAQ usually involves reducing pollution sources, bringing in fresh air, and cleaning the air you breathe.¹

 

10 Easy Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality[8]

  1. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and check them yearly.

  2. Let in fresh air whenever possible. Open your windows or doors for at least 10 minutes a day (unless there’s poor outdoor air quality).

  3. Improve air filtration: Use a HEPA air purifier or a dehumidifier (change the filters regularly) in problem areas or if you live near busy roads or during smoky days.

  4. Make sure your furnace has a MERV-13 filter, change it regularly, and consider cleaning your air ducts to remove trapped dusts and particles.

  5. Test for radon: low-cost kits are available through the American Lung Association (ALA). Please click here to order yours – ALA Radon Kits

  6. Keep your home and car smoke-free.

  7. Avoid burning wood, candles, or gas indoors when possible.

  8. Use safer cleaning products. Skip harsh sprays and air fresheners.

  9. Keep your house clean and dry to reduce dust buildup, pet dander, and mold. Vacuum and dust often with a microfiber or damp cloth.

  10. Ventilate your bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture and cooking fumes.

 

Breathe Better, Live Better

Indoor air quality affects everyone and even small changes can make a big difference. By paying attention to the air you breathe, you can create a safer, healthier, and more comfortable home for you and your family.


Author: Liz Savin

Breathe California Sacramento Region
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