Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of the air inside our homes, workplaces, or other enclosed environments. It plays a crucial role in our health, comfort, and well-being, especially given that most of us spend up to 90% of our time indoors. Poor indoor air quality can have significant negative effects on our health, productivity, and quality of life, making it essential to understand its implications and take steps to improve it. 

What Is Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor air quality measures the level of pollutants, moisture, and temperature in an indoor environment. These factors determine how clean and safe the air is to breathe. Building biologists examine various contributors to IAQ, such as ventilation, contaminants, and the building materials used. A building with poor air quality might contain high levels of particulate matter, toxic gases, or biological pollutants like mold, all of which can have detrimental effects on health.

Why Should We Be Concerned About Indoor Air Quality?

We often think of outdoor air pollution as the primary environmental threat to our health, but indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Since we spend so much time indoors, we are constantly exposed to pollutants that may cause both immediate and long-term health problems.

Common side effects of poor indoor air quality include:

• Respiratory issues: Irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs, coughing, and wheezing.
• Headaches and dizziness: Poor ventilation or high levels of chemicals like formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can trigger migraines and dizziness.
• Fatigue and cognitive issues: Prolonged exposure to low air quality can lead to chronic fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems.
• Asthma and allergy aggravation: Dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores are common allergens that thrive in poor air quality.
• Long-term health risks: Prolonged exposure to toxins can increase the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and even cancer.

Where Do Indoor Air Toxins Come From?

Indoor air pollution can arise from a variety of sources:

• Building materials: Paints, varnishes, insulation, and flooring can release VOCs and formaldehyde over time.
• Household cleaning products: Many conventional cleaning supplies contain harsh chemicals that off-gas into the air.
• Furnishings: Carpets, upholstery, and mattresses may harbor dust mites, mold, and chemicals that degrade air quality.
• Heating and cooking appliances: Combustion from gas stoves, fireplaces, and furnaces can release carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other harmful gases.
• Moisture and mold: Poorly ventilated areas like bathrooms and basements can encourage mold growth, leading to the release of spores and mycotoxins into the air.
• Outdoor pollutants: Pesticides, radon gas, and outdoor air pollutants can infiltrate homes through cracks, doors, and windows.
• Tobacco smoke: Secondhand smoke introduces harmful chemicals, including carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and nicotine, into the indoor environment.

How to Reduce Exposure to Indoor Air Toxins

Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce exposure to indoor air pollutants and improve overall air quality:

• Ventilation: Ensure that fresh air circulates in your home by opening windows, using exhaust fans, and maintaining HVAC systems. Adequate ventilation helps dilute indoor air contaminants.
• Use natural cleaning products: Opt for eco-friendly or non-toxic cleaning products that are free from harsh chemicals.
• Control humidity: Keeping indoor humidity levels between 30-50% can help prevent mold growth and reduce dust mites. Dehumidifiers and proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens can help.
• Eliminate indoor smoking: Prohibit smoking indoors to prevent the release of harmful toxins into the air.
• Test for radon: Radon is a radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the soil. Testing your home for radon and installing a mitigation system can significantly reduce your risk of exposure.
• Choose non-toxic furnishings and building materials: When renovating or decorating, opt for low-VOC or zero-VOC paints and natural materials for flooring, furniture, and insulation.
• Air purification: Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your HVAC system or invest in standalone air purifiers to trap airborne pollutants like dust, allergens, and smoke.

Indoor air quality is a vital aspect of a healthy living environment. Poor IAQ can have immediate and long-term health effects, so understanding the sources of indoor air pollutants and how to mitigate them is essential. As building biologists, we advocate for creating spaces that align with nature, ensuring that the air we breathe indoors is as clean and safe as possible. By making informed choices about ventilation, materials, and daily habits, we can significantly improve our indoor environments and protect our health.