The Invisible Threat of Indoor Air Quality

The Invisible Threat of Indoor Air Quality

By Dr. Jane Mitchell, Environmental Health Specialist

Most of us spend nearly 90% of our time indoors, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Yet indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air (EPA, Indoor Air Quality, 2023). Poor indoor air quality has been linked to asthma, allergies, respiratory infections, and even cardiovascular disease.

The Risks:

  • Respiratory Issues: Exposure to fine particles and allergens worsens asthma (Institute of Medicine, Clearing the Air: Asthma and Indoor Exposures, 2000).

  • Headaches & Fatigue: Studies show VOC exposure is associated with fatigue and reduced cognitive performance (Allen et al., Environmental Health Perspectives, 2016).

  • Long-Term Impact: WHO notes long-term air pollution exposure contributes to 7 million premature deaths annually worldwide.

What You Can Do:
Start with a professional indoor air quality test. Pairing high-efficiency HVAC filters with proper ventilation reduces pollutants by up to 60% (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2021).