Indoor Air Quality :: Breathe NH

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

Most people spend about 90% of their time indoors - at home, work, school, or other indoor environments. The quality of the air we breathe indoors can have a significant impact on our lung health and overall well-being.

Indoor air pollution comes from a variety of sources, including chemicals, gases, smoke, dust, mold, allergens, and pests. While some pollutants are only irritating, others can cause serious health problems. Poor indoor air quality can trigger allergies, worsen asthma and COPD, increase the risk of respiratory infections, and contribute to long-term health conditions.

Some pollutants are especially dangerous:

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause serious illness or death if it builds up indoors.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and the leading cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall.
Secondhand smoke and vaping aerosols contain harmful chemicals that can affect everyone in the home, especially children and people with lung disease.

Children, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with asthma, COPD, allergies, or other chronic health conditions are often more sensitive to poor indoor air quality.

Common Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor air pollutants can come from many everyday sources, including:

Tobacco smoke and vaping
Mold and excess moisture
Dust mites
Pet dander
Pollen that enters from outdoors
Rodents and cockroaches
Household cleaning products and chemicals
Paints, solvents, and other products that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Gas stoves and fireplaces
Wood-burning stoves
Furnaces and water heaters that are not properly maintained
Carbon monoxide
Radon

Could Your Indoor Air Be Affecting Your Health?

Poor indoor air quality isn't always obvious. You may have an indoor air quality problem if you or members of your household experience:

Frequent sneezing or coughing
Persistent nasal congestion
Irritated eyes, nose, or throat
Headaches, especially after spending time indoors
Wheezing or shortness of breath
Asthma flare-ups
Frequent respiratory infections
Symptoms that improve when you leave the building or occur mainly in one room

If symptoms are persistent or severe, talk with your healthcare professional.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Many indoor air quality problems can be reduced with a few simple steps:

Keep It Smoke-Free

Do not allow smoking or vaping indoors.
Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.

Keep It Dry

Fix leaks promptly.
Control indoor humidity to help prevent mold growth.
Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.

Keep It Clean

Vacuum regularly using a HEPA-filter vacuum, if possible.
Dust with a damp cloth to reduce airborne particles.
Wash bedding regularly to reduce dust mites.
Replace HVAC filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Keep It Well Ventilated

Open windows when outdoor air quality is good.
Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans.
Ventilate when using cleaning products, paints, or other chemicals.

Keep It Pest-Free

Seal cracks and openings where pests can enter.
Eliminate food and water sources for rodents and cockroaches.

Keep It Safe

Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas.
Have furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves, and water heaters inspected and maintained regularly.

Keep Chemicals to a Minimum

Choose products with fewer harsh chemicals whenever possible.
Store chemicals safely and never mix cleaning products unless directed by the manufacturer.

Test for Radon

Test your home for radon, regardless of where you live.
If elevated levels are found, install a radon mitigation system.

Healthy Indoor Air Starts with Small Changes

You don't have to eliminate every source of indoor pollution overnight. Simple actions, keeping your home smoke-free, controlling moisture, improving ventilation, and maintaining heating systems, can make a meaningful difference in the air you breathe every day.

Indoor Air Quality