Indoor Air Quality

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ranks indoor air quality among the top five public health concerns. Between smoke, dust, vapors and cleaning products, indoor air pollution is commonly two to five times more concentrated than outdoors. Because we spend 90% of our time indoors, managing air quality is essential to good health. Good air quality means good air flow, keeping air clean, and reducing sources of pollution.

• How’s my air flow?
  When you walk into your home, it should smell like … nothing. If you smell something from cooking, cleaning, heating, candles or incense—whether it is nice or not—you may want to make sure that you have good air circulation. Condensation inside windows or on hard surfaces is also a sign that you may need better air flow in your household. A little fresh air can go a long way to cut down on air hazards. See how to improve air flow.
• Air-cleaning tools
  There’s no substitute for fresh air flowing in your home—but there are ways to give that fresh air a boost. See more.
• Test for radon
  If you live in a house or apartment below the third floor, test for radon. You can’t smell it, and there is no safe level. Read more about how to test and what to do if you find radon.
• Sources of air pollutants
  There are some sources of air pollution you can reduce at the source. Read more creative ideas about how to cut indoor air pollution.
• A note about air filter masks:
  On bad air days, surgical masks and bandanas don’t work well to protect you from small particles. A N95 respirator mask will work, if it has two straps and fits firmly to the mouth and nose. But these masks are uncomfortable and can make it difficult to breathe. Especially if you have heart and lung conditions, be sure to consult a doctor before using a mask.

The way you maintain your home can make a big difference to your family’s health. Get a healthy homes checkup with our guide and tips.