Over the past several years, research has shown that the air we breathe indoors can be more polluted than the air outside. This can be especially true during the winter months, when homes are closed-up, allowing pollutants to build-up inside. The groups of individuals that are most susceptible to health problems from indoor air pollution also tend to spend the most time inside – the elderly, young children, and chronically ill individuals, such as those with heart or respiratory conditions.
Viewer Tip: There are a variety of air pollutants that can build-up inside- smoke from fireplaces or stoves, mold, mildew, dust, fumes from household products such as paints and cleaning materials, and others. If you think you may have an indoor air quality problem, there are several ways to make improvements: eliminating the source of the pollutant; improving ventilation in your home by operating fans oropening windows when weather permits; or using an air cleaner.
You can find basic information about indoor air pollution, a list of common indoor air pollutants, and suggestions for improving indoor air quality in EPA’s “The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality.” Visit www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html#Improve2.
Season: Winter
(Sources: US EPA. 2007. The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html#Improve2)
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