Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the quality of the air inside a building, home, or other enclosed space. It is affected by the presence of pollutants such as dust, pollen, mold, and pet dander
Indoor air pollution can come from a variety of sources, including:Building materials and furnishingsHousehold cleaning products Cooking fumesPersonal care productsOutdoor air pollution
Poor indoor air quality can have a number of negative health effects, including:Respiratory problems such as asthma and allergies Eye, nose, and throat irritationHeadachesFatigueCancer
Short-term effects of poor indoor air quality can include:Throat irritation CoughingSkin irritationEye redness and wateringHeadaches
Long-term effects of poor indoor air quality can include:Respiratory problems such as asthma and allergiesHeart disease CancerNeurological problems
There are a number of steps you can take to improve indoor air quality, including:VentilationAir cleaning Moisture controlPest control Avoiding pollutants
One of the best ways to improve indoor air quality is to avoid sources of pollution. This includes things like:Wood-burning stovesAir freshenersSpraysHarsh chemicals