Indoor Air Quality: What It Is and How It Affects Your Health

When you think about air pollution, you probably picture smog over a city or exhaust from cars. But the air inside your home, office, or school can be just as dirty—sometimes worse. Indoor air quality, the condition of air within enclosed spaces, especially regarding its impact on human health. Also known as indoor air pollution, it’s not just about dust. It’s chemicals, mold, pet dander, and even gases you can’t see or smell. The EPA says we spend up to 90% of our time indoors. That means the air you breathe at home is a big deal for your lungs, your sleep, and even your focus during the day.

What makes indoor air unhealthy? Common culprits include air pollutants, harmful substances released into the air from cleaning products, paints, furniture, and appliances, like formaldehyde or VOCs. Then there’s ventilation, how well fresh air moves in and stale air moves out. Poor ventilation traps moisture, which leads to mold, and lets allergens build up. And let’s not forget allergens, tiny particles like pollen, dust mites, and pet hair that trigger sneezing, itchy eyes, and asthma. These aren’t just annoyances—they can make chronic breathing problems worse, especially in kids and older adults.

Some people think opening a window fixes everything. But in cities with high outdoor pollution, or during allergy season, that might just bring more trouble inside. The real fix? A mix of smart habits and simple tools: using exhaust fans when cooking, choosing low-VOC paints, washing bedding weekly, and keeping humidity below 50%. Even a basic air purifier with a HEPA filter can cut down airborne allergens by over 90%. You don’t need expensive gear—just awareness and small, consistent changes.

What you’ll find below are real comparisons of medications and treatments people use when poor indoor air quality triggers health issues—like asthma flare-ups, allergic reactions, or respiratory irritation. Some posts dive into how common drugs like albuterol or antihistamines help manage symptoms. Others look at how conditions like chronic congestion or eczema are tied to what’s floating in the air around you. This isn’t about guessing what’s making you sick. It’s about connecting the dots between your environment and your health—and finding practical ways to breathe easier.

How Air Purifiers Help Relieve a Cough and Boost Indoor Air Quality
Wyn Davies 27 September 2025

How Air Purifiers Help Relieve a Cough and Boost Indoor Air Quality

Discover how air purifiers work to ease cough symptoms, the key technologies behind them, and practical tips for choosing the right unit for your home.

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