5 easy and effective ways to improve indoor air quality

[3 MIN READ] 
 
In this article:  

• Poor indoor air quality can negatively impact anyone’s health, but people with lung disease, asthma or a compromised immune system are especially vulnerable.  

• Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air.  

• We’ve compiled a list of five easy and effective steps to improve the indoor air quality in your home.   

The quality of air inside buildings is closely tied to the health and comfort of the people who live or work inside. Everyone can be affected by poor indoor air quality, but people with lung disease, asthma or a compromised immune system are most at risk.  
 
The good news: A few simple steps can help ensure that you have more good air days than bad. 

Five easy, effective ways to improve indoor air quality  

1. Plant

NASA study noted that certain houseplants can remove toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Consider planting indoor plants, like the peace lily, the bamboo palm and English ivy. They not only look great but could also help clean up the air you breathe.

2. Filter

Buy the most efficient air filters you can for your home’s heating and air conditioning system. Then, be sure to change them every six to 12 months. Look for HEPA (high-efficiency particle air) filters that will remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (Particles of this size pose significant health risks because they can penetrate deep into the respiratory system.)

3. Purify

Make portable air purifiers part of your strategy to guard against germs, bacteria and COVID-19. Purifiers can filter out pollutants in a room by pulling air through a HEPA filter. Although some air purifiers can be expensive, you probably won’t need a commercial-strength model for your home. Find one that makes sense for you.  

4. Ventilate

Perhaps more than ever before, following the pandemic, ventilating our living spaces has been recommended as a way to reduce airborne contaminants. The simplest way to ventilate is to open windows and screen doors. You can also use a window air conditioner that has an outdoor vent or air intake. Use ventilation fans to keep fresh air circulating through the house when weather and safety allow. 

5. Dehumidify

When you lower the relative humidity or moisture in your home, you’ll help keep mold, bacteria and viruses from growing. You could buy a dehumidifier, but using a fan to circulate warm air will also help to evaporate moisture. Air conditioners also cool and dehumidify air all at once. 

Causes of poor indoor air quality  

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air may be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Why? Some items you use in your house release gas and particle pollutants into the air. In addition, faulty ventilation may not bring in enough outdoor air to reduce or remove harmful gases. High humidity and hot temperatures can also raise the concentration of some pollutants.  
 
Indoor air quality can be negatively impacted by many sources, including:  

• Tobacco products  
• Household cleaning products and air fresheners
• Dust  
• Building materials and furnishings that include:  
  • New flooring, upholstery or carpet  
  • Insulation that contains old asbestos 
  • Furniture or cabinets made of pressed wood products  
• Fuel-burning combustion appliances  
• Central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices  
• Too much moisture, leading to mold  
• Pesticides, radon, air pollution and wildfire smoke from outside the home  

What about allergies?

Allergy season often arrives with a vengeance and can have a negative effect on the air quality, both inside and outside your home. Check out what Dr. Shome has to say about combating allergies below.

Concerned about your breathing? 

If you've tried these tips but you still experience troubling breathing symptoms that may be connected to your indoor air quality, such as coughing, wheezing, phlegm, chest tightness or shortness of breath, talk to your doctor.   

Find a doctor

If you are looking for a doctor who can help you and your family stay healthy, you can search for one who's right for you in our provider directory. 
 
Through Providence ExpressCare Virtual, you can access a full range of health care services from the comfort of your own home. For same day care, check out Providence ExpressCare locations. 

Download the Providence app 

It’s all in the app: easily stay connected with Providence and your health. With the Providence app, you can schedule appointments, have virtual visits from the comfort of your own home, get health recommendations personalized for you, access your health records and so much more. Learn more and download the app.  

Related resources 

Quick and effective ways to get rid of allergies 

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This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.