Home Air Pollution

What Makes Your Indoor Air Filthy

By Christina Parrella

Indoor air is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Check out our list of common indoor air pollutants and what can be done to improve the air quality inside your home.



Air out your dry cleaning:

Dry cleaning your clothes may get them pressed, steamed and cleaned far better than an ordinary laundromat, but the fluids most cleaners use produce toxic fumes and can increase your risk of cancer. Perchloroethylene (also known as PERC) is a colorless, nonflammable liquid that may affect your nervous system and make you dizzy, fatigued or induce headaches and sweating. Bob Moffitt of the American Lung Association's Health House suggests you air your un-bagged dry cleaning garments outside of your house for a day or two to let them vent before putting the clothes in your closet. "Don't bring anything into your house that has volatile organic compounds," Moffitt warns. Volatile organic compounds or VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids and include a variety of chemicals, some of which are used in dry-cleaned clothing.

Test your home for radon:

Do you know the leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking is exposure to radon? The dangers of lead poisoning are well-known and houses no longer contain lead paint, but only a few states regulate radon, which is a radioactive gas that you can't smell or taste. "Radon is a concern," says Moffitt. "It's a very serious contaminant." He suggests you have your home tested for radon. It can either be tested with a self done test or by a professional. "Its simple, its easy and the only way to know if you have to take action," Moffitt says.

Clean out your clothes dryer's exhaust pipe:

Not only should you be cleaning lint buildup in your filter, but you should also clean out your dryer's exhaust pipe or vent. A vent that is cracked or clogged or does not vent outside your home will add between one to two gallons of moisture to the air inside your home per laundry load. This excess moisture not only causes rotting of materials and mildew but promotes the growth of harmful bacteria in your home. To protect your home and family, update your dryer vent frequently.


Run a bathroom fan before and after you shower:

Adequate ventilation, such as an exhaust fan, will help you avoid condensation in the bathroom, but it should not be shut off once you get out of the shower. To control condensation and mold, which thrive on your shower tiles and behind your toilet, run the exhaust fan in your bathroom for at least 30 minutes after showering. To prevent mold and moisture from forming on surfaces throughout your house use an exhaust fan to send moisture out or keep a fan moving wherever humid air may trap dust and dampness. "Controlling the humidity in your home is important," Moffitt says. "It will take care of mold and mildew and will help avoid things like cockroaches and dust mites, which like a very humid environment."


Get a HEPA filter for your air purifier:

Air purifiers are meant to filter out bacteria, dust and reduce air pollutants from your home, but some don't come equipped with a HEPA filter or a "high efficiency particle air" filter. HEPA filters significantly reduce or eliminate particles by trapping them, making filters ideal for those who are allergic to air pollutants.


Change your vacuum bag before it's full:

If your vacuum contains a bag, make sure you check your user manual to determine your machine's maintenance needs. Generally, vacuum cleaner bags need to be changed or emptied frequently depending on how much you vacuum. A bag that's full of dirt, dust and other particles will be inefficient and may even emit dirt and dust back into the air. In order to deposit less dirt back into the air, try throwing away the bag when it's full. Also, if your vacuum cleaner has a filter you may need to replace it or clean it every month.


Don't let your car warm up in the garage:

Even if you have your garage door open it's still dangerous to warm up your car in the garage. Opening the house door going into garage will not only leak fumes into your house, but also deadly carbon monoxide. "Never ever let your car warm up in the garage, especially an attached garage," Moffitt warns, citing that the air pressure in your house differs from the garage. Once the door to your home is opened, the fume-mixed air will be sucked in and accumulate, making you sick once inhaled.


Eliminate any mold problems:

Mold can be found practically anywhere in your house as long as moisture and oxygen are present. If mold remains undiscovered or unaddressed it can become a problem for your air quality, especially if excessive amounts accumulate. Mold may cause breathing problems, especially for people with allergies and asthma. The EPA provides the necessary guidelines to remove mold in your home.


Change your furnace filters regularly:

Having an efficient furnace filter is a primary defense against indoor air quality problems. Cleaning or changing your furnace filter and removing the large dirt and dust particles will not only improve the air in your home, but will prolong the life of your heating system. Clean filters will reduce allergen and respiratory problems, so it's important to change or clean the filter every month. If you have a traditional furnace with duct work, Moffitt suggests you use the best furnace filter you can get. Anything with a MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, that is a 10 or higher will work. "The cheap cotton candy looking filters do almost nothing for air quality," he says. "You need something pleated like an accordion or has MERV."