How To Improve Indoor Air Quality
Do you know what you are breathing inside your home? Your home should be an escape from outdoor pollutants and allergens, but poor indoor air quality can be the cause of many health problems. In this article, we will explain the importance of good indoor air quality and simple ways to improve it.
What Is Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is the quality of air in buildings and can determine different health symptoms. Understanding and controlling indoor pollutants can help reduce your risk of health concerns. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health.
Indiana Air Quality
Each state varies on air pollutants due to factors such as geographic features and weather. A study done in 2022 showed Indiana ranked 5th in states with the worst air quality. The same study found that Indiana’s main sources of pollution include automobiles and coal fired power plants.
Common residential indoor air pollutants in Indiana include:
- Asbestos: found home building materials, such as roofing & vinyl flooring
- Carbon Monoxide: created by burning materials, such as water heaters & furnaces
- Mold: grows in moist conditions, such as leaks in roofs & windows
- Radon: found in ground material & infiltrates homes, typically basements
Health Concerns
Indoor air can be more harmful than outdoor air, because of the lack of ventilation. Health effects can show up shortly after exposure and vary from person to person. Common indoor air pollutants include:
- Irritated eyes, throat, & nose
- Headaches, dizziness, & fatigue
- Respiratory diseases, heart diseases, & cancer
Pollutants in Indiana can cause serious health concerns. For example, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
What You Can Do
There are many things homeowners can do to reduce pollutants in their homes. It is important to remain knowledgeable about home air quality and how to protect your health. Below are 5 ways to improve air quality in your home.
- Maintain Clean Air Filters
- Control Humidity
- Use Air Purifying Plants
- Clean Ductwork And Vents
- Improve Ventilation
Maintain Clean Air Filters
Air filters can catch pollutants to reduce allergens in your home. However, clogged air filters struggle catching pollutants and can contribute to poor air quality. It is important to maintain a clean air filter with a high MERV rating to maximize air quality.
Control Humidity
Excess moisture in homes can cause mold and mildew growth, which is common in climates like Evansville. Dehumidifiers can reduce moisture and help prevent future mold growth and health symptoms.
Use Air Purifying Plants
Certain houseplants positively contribute to indoor air quality and reduce allergy symptoms. Many plants have the ability to remove toxins by absorbing them through their leaves. Additionally, some are easy to maintain and keep alive!
- Peace Lily: removes formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide, and ammonia
- English Ivy: removes benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene and can prevent airborne mold
- Snake Plant: removes airborne pollutants like formaldehyde, nitrogen oxide, benzene and xylene
Clean Ductwork And Vents
Allergens and dust can settle and collect in ductwork, which can spread around your home. We encourage homeowners to maintain clean air vents, because it can help reduce pollutants recirculating through ducts.
Improve Ventilation
Pollutants can build up in your home due to poor ventilation. If the weather allows, turn off your HVAC unit and open your windows. Fresh, outdoor air can help recirculate bad air. However, outdoor air can also contain allergens and homeowners should evaluate their living area & possible contaminants before making this decision. We recommend homeowners utilize exhaust fans when cooking and bathroom fans when showering. Ceiling fans can also help circulate air.
Maintaining positive indoor air quality can benefit your home and health in many ways. Homeowners can perform minimal maintenance to continue breathing easy. Consider these few ways to improve your indoor air quality and reduce health symptoms!