let’s talk indoor air quality
According to this commonly referenced study, it is estimated that the average person spends between 87-93% of their time indoors. Even more shocking, the EPA writes that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than normal outdoor air, which, of course, depends on location and impacts of climate change (which we won’t get into here). Below we set out to briefly explain what indoor air quality is, why it matters and how you can take action to control your environment.
*It should be noted that for the purposes of this blog post we will use the words pollutants and contaminants interchangeably and very broadly to refer to any naturally occurring or chemical substance that negatively affects air quality and human health.
So what exactly is Indoor Air Quality?
In this article by the EPA they define indoor air quality as the quality of air “within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants”. Our indoor air is a mixture of oxygen, carbon dioxide, particulate, and pollutants. Good indoor air quality means low levels of particulate and pollutants and usually means that there is significant air change or air movement whether through natural ventilation (open windows and flowing air with good quality outdoor air) or mechanical ventilation (like fans or air handling systems that pull in, filter and exchange outdoor air and remove indoor air). Bad indoor air quality means higher levels of particulate and pollutants and, often, insufficient air change or movement, this is described in greater detail by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What impacts indoor air quality?
Not to be overly pessimistic, but contaminants can be found in nearly everything. Generally, when talking about indoor air quality, you will find them categorized into pollutants, biological contaminants and particulate. Pollutants include things like Radon, Asbestos, Formaldehyde, Lead, pesticides, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Biological contaminants is a severe sounding category that covers mold, mildew, viruses, bacteria, pets, insects, pests and rodents as reported by the EPA. Lastly particulate, is any small particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter (that is the width of a cotton fiber). The category of particulate includes environmental tobacco smoke and the stuff that comes from burning candles and using fireplaces and heaters, also described by the EPA here. It is important to note that exposure to contaminants, particulate and pollutants can accumulate within the body over time to create more severe reactions and health problems.
Since most of the contaminants described above are not visible or detectable by a specific scent, it is more practical to be aware of where they come from so you can monitor the source or be conscientious when purchasing new products. The list below identifies some of the most common sources to be aware of.
- Fuel burning appliances - Flooring (Carpeting, Vinyl, Laminate, Wood)
- Household Cleaners and disinfectants - Cabinetry
- Pressed wood furniture - Melamine furniture and case goods
- Upholstered Furniture - Air Fresheners
- Paints, coatings and wood finishes - Unvented appliances
- Malfunctioning appliances - Decorative objects
- Pottery and ceramics - Plastics
Why does it matter?
There are numerous health effects and conditions associated with poor indoor air quality, including but not limited to the following:
- Fatigue - Inability to concentrate - Dizziness
- Headaches - Rashes - Fever
- Chills - Nausea & vomiting - Hearing Loss
- Lung Disease - Allergic reactions - Asthma
- Digestive problems - Coughing - Irritation of eyes, nose and/or throat
- Sneezing - Heart Disease - Cancer
Experiencing any of the above would certainly hinder any individual’s ability to function and perform daily activities, even if a symptom is mild. The amount of exposure required to cause the onset of one of the symptoms varies widely from person to person. Everyone has different tolerances for and sensitivities to pollutants. Children, elderly, those with pre-existing health conditions and certain ethnicities may be disproportionately affected by even low-levels of pollutants.
What can I do about it?
It seems like it could go without saying, but, I think we all want to reduce health problems and function at our best whenever possible. Below is a list of strategies that can help result in better indoor air quality:
Open your windows: When temperatures and outdoor air quality are good, open your windows to get some fresh air. This is specifically helpful if you can open windows on opposite sides of your home or space to get air moving through.
Use non-toxic and scent free cleaning products: Many cleaning products contain ingredients that are actually considered pesticides because of the disinfectants they contain. Warm soapy water, baking soda, lemon juice and vinegar will almost always be your friend when it comes to cleaning.
Turn on a fan: Whether cooking or taking a shower, turn on any ventilation fans you have available to pull away particulate matter and saturated air.
Have your air ducts cleaned: If you have a forced air ventilation system in your space, it might be a good idea to have the ducts cleaned. This is not something that needs to be done regularly but can be a good check for any mold or growth happening within and to get out any extra dust. This is an especially good idea after completing any renovation projects, because tiny particles can still get through filters.
No volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Stay away from finishing products (wood, paint, etc.) and furniture that contain VOCs. This site provides a great list of the worst VOCs to avoid with short explanations.
Let us help: Finding products, finishes or furniture for your space that are beautiful and also healthy can be daunting and time consuming - which is where we come in and take away that stress! Reach out to us at hello@boundcollaborative.com
Supplement with an air filter: We list this last because the subtractive methods listed above are certainly worth prioritizing, but in some locations with poor outdoor air quality, or in spaces that serve vulnerable populations, the addition of an air filter can be very valuable and set your mind at ease.
It’s easy to be really overwhelmed by all of the things that can cause harm or the laundry list of things you need to do to be well. (“You mean I’m supposed to eat healthy, exercise, get good sleep, minimize stress and also improve my indoor air quality on top of everything else I want to do?”) Maybe this analogy is overused, but bettering your air quality can be like wearing a seatbelt. It doesn’t guarantee absolute safety, but it’s a simple measure that doesn’t take extra time and can greatly improve your chances of a long, healthy life.
Indoor Air Quality is a top consideration when it comes to interior design, and one that is mostly invisible until you’re experiencing the effects of poor indoor air quality. We are proud that our work prioritizes the air we breathe and the overall health of our bodies and minds, but we also want people to be informed and feel empowered to control and maintain their environment on their own. Have questions? Did you learn something new? Share with us in the comments below!