Most people spend as much as 90 percent of their time indoors. But indoor air quality can be up to five times worse than outdoor air, which can have a very detrimental impact on your health.
For example, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), poor indoor air quality can cause or exacerbate:
- Asthma, allergies, and other respiratory problems
- Headaches
- Eye and skin irritations
- Sore throat, colds and flu
- Memory loss, dizziness, fatigue and depression
Long-term effects from exposure to toxic airborne particles include heart disease, respiratory disease, reproductive disorders, sterility and even cancer.
Tips for Healthier Indoor Air
In The Daily Green, the American Lung Association offers 25 tips on how to keep the air in your home healthy, such as:
Don’t Allow Smoking Indoors: Each year, second hand smoke sends up to 15,000 children to the hospital.
There is no safe level of secondhand smoke; never let anyone smoke inside your home.
Don’t Idle the Car in the Garage: Carbon monoxide exposure can lead to weakness, nausea, disorientation, unconsciousness and even death. Fumes from cars or lawnmowers left running in enclosed spaces can endanger your health.
Use Low-VOC Paints: Paints release VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, for months after application. VOCs can include highly toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. Use low-VOC or no-VOC paints, varnishes, and waxes.
Clean Your Air Conditioner and Dehumidifier: Standing water and high humidity encourage the growth of dust mites, mold and mildew. All of these can worsen asthma. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner when needed, and clean both regularly.
Beware of Dry Cleaning Chemicals: Dry cleaning solvents can be toxic to breathe. Let dry cleaned items “air out” outdoors before bringing them inside.
Avoid Toxic Household Products: Hair and nail products, cleaning products, and art and hobby supplies can increase the levels of VOCs in your home. Some of the VOCs in these products have been linked to cancer, headaches, eye and throat irritation and worsened asthma.
