By Laura Matchett
As each of us have become more aware of the importance of air quality, it has become a habit to check the AQHI (air quality health index) before leaving the house. This ensures that we can make informed decisions as to the type and level of outdoor activities that are appropriate for us on a given day. But did you know that indoor air quality can have as much of an impact on your health? Read on for an overview of indoor air including tips to improve the air quality in your home.
Why should you care about indoor air and what makes it unique?
Most people spend up to 90% of their times indoors including at home, work, school, and other public spaces. Your method of transportation (car, public transit) can also be considered a micro indoor environment. For this reason, although air in indoor spaces can often be cleaner than outdoors, the large amount of time spent indoors can have cumulative impacts on your health if the air quality is poor. The pollutants of interest indoors are the same as outdoors and include particles, volatile compounds, and gases like nitrogen dioxide.
One source of pollutants indoors is the infiltration of outdoor air through doors, windows, cracks, and ventilation systems. In this case the quality of your indoor air is directly tied to the outdoor air quality. Always remember to think about the quality of the outdoor air in your area before opening windows or doors. If a building is in a more polluted zone (ex: near industry or major roads) then this may mean that the quality of the indoor air is reduced. However, good filtration and ventilation systems can help mitigate this exposure by removing the outdoor pollutants before the air enters the building.
Indoor spaces also have their own unique sources of pollutants. These can include particles and gases generated during cooking, cleaning, wood burning in fireplaces, and various hobbies (ex: painting, using glue, working with wood). Additionally, if products have a smell this means that chemical species are entering the air you breathe. Although many are not considered to be major health concerns, it is important to be informed about the products you use and the chemicals they may contain. Similarly, if you are generating or seeing dust then you are breathing in those particles and may want to take precautions depending on the amount.
Tips for improving your indoor air quality
Unlike for outdoor air, there is no readily accessible AQHI for your indoor air. Luckily, there are many easy steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality today.
- Always check the outdoor AQHI before opening windows. If the air quality outside is poor keep everything closed. If the air quality outside is good, then opening windows can help purge your indoor air. This can be especially beneficial if the inside air has become stale after a long period of being closed (like in winter or after a vacation).
- Check and change the filter of your heating system regularly to reliably remove particles from the air. It is recommended to use filters rated MERV-13 or higher. Also make sure to schedule regular maintenance.
- When cooking, set your range hood to high to remove airborne particles and gases especially with high heat processes like frying. Make sure that the range hood is working properly and covers the cooking area.
- Limit the use of wood burning fireplaces or stoves and make sure that your chimney is working properly and unblocked. Avoid smoldering as it can lead to higher amounts of smoke.
- Never smoke indoors or near windows and doors.
- Never idle your vehicle in your garage. Even if the seal between your home and garage is good there is always a chance the air may circulate between the two.
- Never use a barbecue indoors (including in your garage) and limit the amount of smoke entering your home by closing any nearby doors or windows.
- When working with smelly products (ex: cleaning products, paint, glue) open windows or ventilation systems to air out the room and consider wearing a mask to protect yourself especially if the product uses harsh chemicals.
- If possible, perform any activities that generates dust (like cutting wood) or fumes (like painting or gluing) outside.
- Choose more environmentally friendly cleaning products where possible that contain fewer toxic chemicals or have low emissions. Use this same logic for other scented products such as candles. Natural and plant-based products generally contain fewer toxic chemicals. Check the labels and do your research if unsure.
- Vacuum and clean your home regularly to remove dust and allergens.
- Indoor plants can also help naturally clean your air.
Additional resources
Health Canada Improving Indoor Air
