Indoor Air Quality: What It Is and How to Improve It

Do you ever stop to think about the air you breathe inside your home, school, or workplace? We spend up to 90% of our lives indoors, yet indoor air can often be more polluted than outdoor air. Dust, mold, chemicals, poor ventilation, and even everyday cleaning products can lower the air quality around us. Poor indoor air doesn’t just make spaces uncomfortable—it can directly affect our health, causing allergies, asthma, fatigue, and even long-term illnesses.

The good news is that there are many practical steps you can take to improve indoor air quality and protect your health. In this guide, we’ll explain what indoor air quality is, what affects it, and actionable ways you can make the air inside your home, school, and workplace cleaner and safer.

What Is Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of the air inside buildings and how it affects the health and comfort of people. Good indoor air means fewer pollutants, balanced humidity, proper airflow, and a comfortable environment. Poor indoor air can trap harmful particles and chemicals inside, leading to breathing issues and health concerns.

How Does Indoor Air Quality Affect Health?

Poor indoor air quality can harm your health in both the short and long term.

• Short-term effects: headaches, dizziness, fatigue, runny nose, itchy eyes, and asthma attacks.
  
• Long-term effects: chronic respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular issues, and in severe cases, cancer from long exposure to radon or toxic chemicals.
  
  

Children, elderly individuals, and people with existing health conditions are most at risk. That’s why it’s essential to actively improve indoor air quality in every space where you spend time.

How to Test Your Indoor Air Quality

Before fixing air quality issues, you need to know what you’re dealing with.

DIY Air Quality Testing

You can purchase affordable indoor air quality monitors that measure humidity, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter. While not as detailed as professional testing, they give you a clear picture of your home’s air condition.

Professional Air Quality Testing

Hiring experts is the most reliable way to detect hidden threats like radon, asbestos, mold, or high VOC levels. Professionals use advanced equipment and provide detailed reports, helping you make targeted improvements.

Practical Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home

Now that we understand the causes and risks, let’s look at practical, effective ways to improve indoor air quality in your home.

Cut Down on Pollutants

• Avoid smoking indoors – Cigarette smoke releases thousands of toxic chemicals into the air.
  
• Limit harsh cleaning products – Switch to natural, eco-friendly cleaners to reduce chemical exposure.
  
  

Manage VOCs – Choose low-VOC paints and furniture. Keep windows open when painting or installing new carpets.

Use Air Purifiers

Air purifiers with HEPA filters can trap dust, allergens, and even tiny airborne particles. Place them in bedrooms and living areas for maximum effect.

Improve Ventilation & Airflow

• Open windows when weather allows.
  
• Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
  
  

Install energy-efficient ventilation systems to bring in fresh air without losing heat or cooling.

Reduce Dampness and Prevent Mold

• Fix water leaks quickly.
• Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements.
• Clean and dry carpets, curtains, and furniture if they get wet.

Maintain Heating & Cooling Systems

• Change HVAC filters every 2–3 months.
• Schedule yearly professional inspections to keep systems clean and efficient.
• Make sure ducts are free of dust and mold.

Control Allergens

• Wash bedding in hot water weekly.
• Groom pets regularly to reduce dander.
• Vacuum with HEPA-filter vacuums instead of sweeping.

Use Indoor Plants Effectively

Plants can naturally filter air, but too many can increase humidity and mold. Stick to a few air-purifying plants like snake plants, spider plants, or peace lilies, and avoid overwatering them.

Improving Indoor Air Quality Beyond the Home

Indoor air quality is not just a concern at home—it matters in schools and workplaces too.

Schools

• Use proper ventilation in classrooms.
• Regularly clean HVAC systems.
• Limit use of strong cleaning chemicals when children are present.

Workplaces

• Increase fresh air circulation through mechanical ventilation.
• Use air purifiers in office areas.
• Avoid storing strong chemicals near workspaces.

Healthy air at schools and workplaces means fewer sick days, better concentration, and improved productivity.

How to Advocate for Better Indoor Air Quality

Sometimes, improving indoor air quality requires action beyond your personal space. You can:

• Support clean air regulations in your community.
• Encourage schools and offices to adopt better air filtration systems.
• Join local initiatives that promote eco-friendly practices and air quality awareness.

Final Thoughts

Breathing clean air indoors is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for good health. Poor ventilation, allergens, chemicals, and moisture can all reduce air quality, but with consistent effort, you can create healthier spaces. From simple steps like using air purifiers and reducing pollutants to larger efforts like professional testing and advocating for cleaner air in schools and workplaces, there are many ways to take control.

Take the time to improve indoor air quality where you live and work—you’ll feel the difference in your health, energy, and overall well-being.