Breathing easy: How to improve poor indoor air quality

Author profile picture

Susan Meyer

Senior Editorial Manager

Susan is a licensed insurance agent and has worked as a writer and editor for over 10 years across a number of industries. She has worked at The Zebr…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
Author profile picture

Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

Ross h…

Credentials
  • 5+ years in the Insurance Industry

Wildfire smoke, air pollution, airborne contaminants — all of these culprits can be detrimental to your indoor air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates Americans are indoors 90% of the time, and poor indoor air quality can contribute to numerous symptoms and long-term health issues[1].

Indoor air quality refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. Understanding and controlling common pollutants indoors can help reduce your risk of indoor health concerns.

Unfortunately, many homes suffer from poor air quality, which can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, asthma and other health issues. It is essential to understand the causes of poor air quality to take the necessary steps to improve it. In this article, we'll explore some of the potential culprits causing poor air quality in homes, and some preventive measures you can take to promote cleaner air.

Causes of poor indoor air quality

Unfortunately, studies indicate that indoor concentrations of air pollutants are actually increasing. There are a number of reasons for this, including the chemicals used in home products, building materials and the way homes are built now (efficiently but with poor ventilation) and hotter or more polluted outdoor air[2].

Indoor air can be five times more polluted than outdoor air.[3] Key pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints and furnishings, dust mites, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, and combustion byproducts. These pollutants can emanate from everyday activities, products, and appliances within our homes.

Let’s look at some of the major pollutants affecting our air:

1. Environmental factors outside the home can impact air quality within the home. For example, if you live in an area with high air pollution, this could affect the air quality inside your home. The smoke from nearby wildfires can also contribute to poor air quality. Wildfire smoke and other pollutants form what we call particle pollution (meaning a mixture of solid and liquid droplets suspended in air). Some particles are small enough to penetrate homes and buildings increasing indoor particle concentrations.

2. Indoor emissions within buildings from smoking cigarettes to burning solid fuels can cause build up indoors. Fireplaces, wood stoves and gas stoves can all contribute to air quality problems. The most common pollutions emitted from these sources are carbon monoxide, formaledyhde and nitrogen dioxide. 

3. VOCs or volatile organic compounds are emitted from the furniture we buy and materials our homes are constructed from. For example, pressed wooden furniture and some cabinets and flooring may emit formaldehyde and VOCs in what is known as off-gassing. Lead and asbestos may also be present in older homes when these materials were used in paint or insulation.

4. Mold and mildew thrive in damp areas where airflow is limited, such as basements, bathrooms and laundry rooms. When not addressed, mold can cause respiratory issues and other health problems. Signs of mold in your home include a rotten smell, spots or odors in carpets, warped walls, black spots on your A/C air filter and a persistent cough or cold.

5. Cleaing products can also contribute to poor air quality. Like the furniture mentioned above, certain cleaners can release volatile organic compounds as a byproduct, which can cause headaches, allergic reactions, respiratory issues and other short-term and longterm health effects. This is especially true if you live in a home that lacks good ventilation.

6. Pet dander, dead skin flakes and hair can irritate respiratory systems. Dander contains a protein that can be an allergy and asthma trigger for many. For those who suffer from these health risks, symptoms can become much more severe, especially if the home is not well ventilated and the pets spend a lot of time inside.

Health impacts of poor air quality

Exposure to poor indoor air quality can lead to immediate and long-term health effects. Short-term symptoms include:

  • Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue

Long-term exposure can result in:

  • Respiratory diseases
  • Heart disease
  • Cancer

The World Health Organization estimates that almost 4 million people die each year of diseases and conditions related to poor indoor air quality caused by cooking indoors.[4]

Monitoring indoor air quality

Indoor air quality is measured by evaluating concentrations of specific pollutants, humidity levels and ventilation rates. Instruments like carbon dioxide monitors, VOC sensors and particulate counters are used to assess air quality levels.

Advancements in technology have made monitoring indoor air quality easier and more accessible. Smart sensors and home automation systems can now track air quality in real-time, providing valuable data to help maintain a healthy indoor environment.

Solutions for improving indoor air quality

To avoid issues with indoor air quality, there are a number of measures you can take:

  • HEPA filters and regularly changing your HVAC filters for your air conditioning system. It's also essential to keep windows and doors closed during times of high outdoor pollution.
  • If you smoke or vape, do so outdoors away from indoor spaces. If you can, replace older high polluting wood stoves with more efficient heating alternatives. Only ever burn clean, dry and seasoned wood in a fireplace.
  • If your home was built before 1978, ask your local health department about getting a lead paint inspection or assessment, especially if you are undergoing renovations.
  • If buying furniture made with pressed-wood products, make sure it meets the requirements for ultra-low emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) or NAF (no added formaldehyde). 
  • To avoid mold issues, be sure to control the indoor humidity level to below 50% and fix any leaks or water damage promptly[5]. You can use a dehumidifier if needed to help keep the level low. If you suspect mold in your home, it's best to call a professional to address the issue.
  • Switch to natural cleaning products or dilute the chemical products. Ensure you read product labels before purchasing to ensure they are non-toxic. Try to open windows and let in fresh air when using cleaning products.
  • If you have pets, decrease dander by grooming your pets frequently (outside the home) and vacuuming regularly. It's also wise to invest in machine-washable bedding and pillowcases.

DIY versus professional solutions

While many indoor air quality improvements can be tackled with DIY solutions, certain situations (like, say, large scale mold remediation) require professional assessment and intervention. Do some research to determine what you can reasonably tackle on your own. 

Indoor air quality and home insurance

Can your home insurance help out with your poor indoor air quality? It depends on the cause.

They likely won't cover things like gas leaks (unless they lead to an explosion...which is a covered peril, but then you will have bigger issues than air quality). 

When it comes to wildfires, your home insurance will likely cover damage to your home and belongings, but what about smoke? If smoke is bad enough that you are forced to evacuate, they may cover a hotel or alternative living expenses until you can return. 

Whether or not your homeowners insurance covers mold damage depends on your location and your specific policy. Most insurance companies exclude mold from homeowners coverage but provide the option of adding coverage via endorsement. Some home insurers offer reimbursement for mold remediation if the mold was caused by a covered peril. 

Key strategies for enhancing indoor air quality

The quality of air in our homes is integral to our health and wellbeing. Poor indoor air quality can lead to respiratory issues, asthma, allergies and even lung cancer.

Maintaining good air quality in your home requires regular upkeep, proper cleaning and understanding the potential culprits.

Regular home maintenance, such as cleaning and fixing leaks promptly, using natural cleaning products, and investing in air purifiers, can go a long way in promoting clean air. By implementing these prevention tips, you can create a healthier and safer living environment for you and your family.

Sources
  1. Indoor Air Quality. [EPA]

  2. Indoor Air Quality. [National Institute of Environmental Health]

  3. Clean air indoors. [American Lung Association]

  4. Air pollution. [World Health Organization]

  5. Mold and dampness. [CDC]