
When it comes to health and longevity, food often takes center stage in our conversations. Debates over vegan, mediterranean, paleo, and carnivore diets dominate discussions about living longer and feeling better. Yet, there is one crucial health factor that rarely gets its due attention: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).
Surprisingly, IAQ might have a greater impact on our health and longevity than the food we eat. Think about it: the average American spends more than 90% of their time indoors. According to the EPA, the air inside our homes can be significantly more polluted than the air in even the largest, most industrialized cities. Air pollution in homes is typically 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors. (Source: EPA Indoor Air Quality Guide).
Health Consequences
If pollutants such as dust, mold, allergens, or chemicals are not effectively removed or filtered, our lungs essentially become the default filtration system. This constant exposure can have serious health consequences.
This is why homes with consistently poor IAQ see much higher rates of severe respiratory diseases like stroke, reduced lung function, heart disease, and lung cancer. Bad IAQ can also exacerbate chronic respiratory conditions, including asthma. Vulnerable people, like young children and the elderly, are especially at risk.
So with that being said, the question might arise how to improve indoor air quality. This can be quite tricky, especially since more often than not, the source of the problem will not reveal itself so easily...
The Hidden sources of poor indoor air quality
Unfortunately, there are many sources of indoor air pollution that often go unnoticed:
- Crawl Spaces
- Homes with crawl spaces can see up to 50% of their indoor air coming from these areas. If the crawl space is dirty, moldy, or poorly ventilated, it can significantly degrade the air quality inside the home.
- HVAC Systems
- Your HVAC system does more than control your home's temperature; it directly affects air quality. A poorly maintained or dirty HVAC system can circulate pollutants, increase humidity, and therefore worsen air quality. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring it filters out harmful substances effectively.
- Gas Stoves
- Cooking with gas stoves releases pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. Without proper ventilation, these pollutants can accumulate and worsen IAQ, particularly in kitchens without effective range hoods or open windows.
- Building Materials and Furnishings
- New carpets, furniture, and building materials emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as they off-gas. as some materials age, certain items like plywood, paint, and insulation can release harmful gasses into your indoor air.
- Chemicals
- Everyday items such as cleaning supplies, pesticides, air fresheners, and personal care products contribute to poor IAQ. Even scented candles, insence and hair sprays release chemicals that linger in your air.
- Biological Pollutants
- Mold, dust mites, viruses, and pet dander are common biological contaminants that can cause allergies and respiratory issues. These pollutants are often drawn into the HVAC system and circulated throughout the home.
How to improve indoor air quality
Improving IAQ is both manageable and impactful. Here are three major strategies to get started:
- Source Control
- Reduce or eliminate sources of pollutants. For example, let new furniture or mattresses off-gas outside before bringing them indoors. Opt for non-toxic or low-VOC cleaning supplies and building materials when possible. At Flood & Flame restoration we help home owners address microbial growth. What we find is that often homeowners are not aware of the amount of microbial growth because it is behind furniture, in the attic or crawl space or inside a cabinet.
- Improved Ventilation
- Proper ventilation is essential. Open windows and doors when weather permits to circulate fresh air, or even better: invest in a high-quality ventilation system. Europeans commonly air out their homes daily. A simple and somewhat effective practice, although nowadays continuous, 24/7 ventilation is considered far superior than just opening the windows once or twice a day.
- Air Filtration
- Air purifiers with HEPA filters can significantly improve IAQ by removing particles like dust, pollen, and smoke. Regularly replace HVAC filters to ensure your system functions optimally.
What should you monitor?
There are many affordable devices available to monitor your IAQ. Brands like Airthings and Aranet offer reliable products that provide actionable data. By monitoring IAQ and making small adjustments, you can dramatically improve the air you breathe at home. Consider monitoring these metrics:
- CO2
- High CO2 levels are a good proxy to indicate poor ventilation. Place a monitor in areas like the kitchen to determine whether your ventilation during cooking is adequate.
- Radon
- Radon is a radioactive gas that seeps into homes such as through cracks in the foundation. It's the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., and is a problem in northern Georgia where there is a lot of granite.
- VOC's
- VOCs enter your home through off-gassing from household products and deteriorating construction materials. Track VOC levels to identify problem areas and take corrective action.
- Humidity
- High humidity promotes mold growth. Aim to keep your home's relative humidity below 50%.
Food for thought
While eating organic and following a balanced diet is important, don't overlook the air you breathe every second of every day. Indoor air quality has a direct and measurable impact on your health and longevity. By making indoor air quality a priority, you can create a healthier environment for yourself and your loved ones—one breath at a time.
So, the next time you're discussing health with friends, why not bring up IAQ? It might just expand the way we all think about wellness.