We’d all like to believe that the air quality inside our homes is clean and healthy for the whole family. According to the EPA, however, air pollutants can actually be up to five times worse indoors than outdoors. Respiratory issues and illness can easily result from the higher concentrations of pollutants. To protect your family and improve the air quality inside your home, you need to identify the factors that affect Indoor Air Quality and learn ways to reduce indoor air pollutants. Learn about what’s in your air? And how to improve your Indoor Air Quality.

What’s in Your Air?

Biggest Factors for Poor Indoor Air Quality:

Chemicals: Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs) are the name for the air pollutants floating around in almost every home. The key is to ensure levels don’t become too concentrated. Acetone, Formaldehyde, and Benzene are the most common forms of VOCs.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Considered to be safe in small amounts, CO2 is a colorless and odorless gas that you’ve most likely been exposed to.

Dust and Allergens: Over 20 million people are allergic to dust mites and dust is one of the most common allergens in the world. Other household air pollutants include mold, pollen, pet dander, and secondhand smoke.

Humidity and Temperature: High levels of humidity contribute to mold, and temperatures that are too high allow for chemicals from outside to enter the home at a more rapid pace.

How To Improve The Air Quality In Your Home

Source control is the easiest way to prevent indoor air pollution. Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to not bring any air pollutants into your home. But you can make some changes to reduce your exposure to them.

• Open windows as much as possible, even for just a few minutes
• Regularly clean or change all filters in your home
• Adjust your home’s humidity level to be between 40-60%
• Get some green plants
• Keep your house clean and uncluttered (vacuum and change bedding regularly)
• Use eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning supplies
• Avoid smoking indoors
• Invest in an air purifier

There’s no “all in one” test for indoor air pollutants, and the multitude of tests can seem overwhelmingly expensive. If you are genuinely concerned about the air quality in your home, contact a professional.