When you think of air pollution, you most likely don’t conjure up images of the inside of your home or office. But because we spend so much time indoors — especially in colder weather — keeping the air quality as clean as possible in your home, car and workplace is important for your health.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
And, unfortunately, we bring most of those pollutants indoors ourselves.
Experts say that one of the most common indoor air pollutants is cigarette smoke.
“The residual gas and particles from cigarette smoke that settle pose health hazards, particularly in rooms with a lot of fabric or carpeting,” says pulmonologist Sumita Khatri, MD. “We all have heard of second-hand smoke; this is called third-hand smoke.”
She says the risks are disproportionately high in children, who are more likely to be playing on the ground, and in people with chronic heart and lung problems.
Electronic cigarettes are a similar source of pollution to consider, Dr. Khatri adds. The vapors emitted when someone smokes e-cigarettes contain volatile organic compounds, heavy metals and other chemicals linked to lung disease.
“Being smoke-free, including in the home, is your best approach,” she says.
Household cleaning supplies are another common cause of indoor pollution. Harsh chemicals that give off fumes can irritate your nose, mouth and lungs, as well as your skin.
“Those with sensitive lungs and upper airways, like people with asthma and chronic sinusitis, may notice their symptoms getting worse,” Dr. Khatri says.
The fumes can cause inflammation that can make it more difficult for people with chronic lung conditions to heal from infections. It can also worsen inflammation due to other triggers, such as allergies.
Dr. Khatri recommends using natural cleaning supplies and elbow grease to minimize risks.
Other indoor pollutants that exacerbate asthma or other chronic lung conditions include:
Indoor air pollution can increase a person’s chances of having flares of chronic lung problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
“In addition to worsening the symptoms of asthma and other chronic respiratory problems, indoor air pollution can also cause irritation of the nose, throat, eyes and lungs,” Dr. Khatri says. There are also likely longer-term effects from ongoing exposure that are more difficult to measure, such as the likelihood of lung cancer from radon exposure, as well as secondhand and thirdhand smoke.
Although opening windows helps ventilate your home, car or office, that’s not always possible due to allergies or extreme temperatures.
Consider using air filters and getting your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems) checked regularly.
Also, air purifiers and aromatherapy can often make air quality worse unless they are the right kind, Dr. Khatri says. They need to be HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) air filters.
Fortunately, there are ways you can minimize air pollution in your home, car or at work, Dr. Khatri says. Try these simple steps:
Taking some simple precautions can help boost air quality in your home and improve your health.
Plan early — getting the right vaccines can help you stay healthy on your travels
Sizzling temperatures force your heart to work much harder
The numbness and tingling should wear off in about two hours
Rethinking your Mondays might make the ‘Sunday scaries’ a thing of the past
The emotional toll of loss and other strong emotions can have life-threatening physical effects
It’s 97% effective in preventing shingles in people between the ages of 50 and 69
Pick specific, measurable goals, but also be open to changing them if need be
From nausea, weight gain and eczema, stress can affect your immune system in many ways
Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink
Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps
This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try