How to Improve Indoor Air Quality to Help Control Asthma & Allergies

06-15-2022

We spend around 90% of our time indoors. So, it's no wonder our indoor air can have an impact our health. Learn why and what you can do to improve the air quality in your home.

Indoor Air Pollution is a Public Health Issue

According to the EPA, indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. And 3.8 million deaths are attributed to household air pollution annually, says the World Health Organization.

Unhealthy air inside a home can pose serious health risks. Children, seniors, and people with asthma and allergies are particularly vulnerable.

Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

It is important to understand the sources of indoor air pollution.

• Allergens include pet dander, pollen, mold, dust mites, cockroaches, and more. Dust mites and pet dander can be found on surfaces in your home - especially fabric furniture, carpets and rugs, window curtains, and bedding. When these surfaces are disturbed, it can send these allergens into the air. Mold can be found in or near damp or humid areas of your home: sinks, showers, toilets and near water leaks. Mold can also be found in closets, basements, and in the soil of overwatered houseplants.

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. VOCs are found in building materials such as paints, solvents, and varnishes. VOCs also come from electronic equipment, cleaning products, furniture, and many other household products.

• Cleaning products can also release VOCs and other harmful gases. Scented products like air fresheners, essential oils and self-care products all release VOCs.

• Fuel-burning heat sources and smoke also have a negative impact on indoor air. These include wood-burning stoves and kerosene heaters. Smoke can come from cooking, candles, fireplaces, or tobacco. Cooking food can also release air pollution into your home.

• Outdoor air pollution can also find its way into your home, entering through gaps and cracks, open doors and windows and on your clothing. This includes pollen, wood burning smoke, dust, ozone, and emissions from cars and factories. Indoor air pollution can result from a concentration of what is around your home – if you’re near a highway you might get exhaust emissions and/or atomized tire rubber inside. Even attached garages can leak dangerous carbon monoxide gas from cars, motorcycles, or lawnmowers through doorways, vents, and cracks.

What Can You Do to Improve Indoor Air Quality?

The best way to improve indoor air quality and reduce asthma and allergy triggers in your home is to reduce the sources of allergens and irritants in your home. Small changes can make a big difference.

Here are a few tips:

• Establish regular cleaning routines to remove dust, pollen, animal dander and mold from your home. You may need to wear a mask.

• Avoid harsh cleaners like bleach and items with strong scents like candles. Replace traditional scented candles with battery-powered ones.

• Keep your home’s humidity levels below 50%. If you live in a wet climate, you may need a dehumidifier to keep mold at bay.

• Improve air flow in your home. Leave interior doors open and run exhaust fans while cooking and in bathrooms for at least 15 to 20 minutes after showering.

• Replace carpets with solid surface flooring if possible. Otherwise, vacuum regularly, depending on how many people and pets occupy your home.

• Keep windows closed during peak pollen times or during times of high outdoor pollution.

• Maintain your HVAC system and replace the air filters every at least three months. You should also shoot for the highest MERV rating on a filter that your HVAC system allows.

• Air sealing can improve air quality. Check that your doors, windows and any gaps/cracks are sealed properly to keep pests, dust and other outdoor pollutants out of your home. Using an air sealant in these gaps can keep these pollutants out. 

• Use CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® products, including laundry detergents, appliances, building materials like Knauf Performance+ insulation products, and many more.

Breathe a sigh of relief

The good news? By following the above tips, you can reduce indoor air pollution and improve your overall health and wellbeing. In addition, better indoor air quality can help manage chronic conditions like asthma and allergies. For more tips, including a room-by-room checklist, visit AAFA.org.