It wouldn’t summer in Montana without wildfire smoke putting a damper on outdoor activities. However, throughout the majority of the year indoor air quality is often worse than outdoor air, but there are steps you can take to improve it. Below, we break down the facts, common issues, and solutions to keep your home’s air clean and healthy.

Key Facts About Indoor Air Quality:

• Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air.
• Common sources include moisture, pets, radon, household products, appliances, and smoke.
• Health risks range from mild irritation to serious illness.
• Solutions include improving ventilation, cleaning, and moisture control.

Signs of Poor Air Quality:

• Unusual odors or stuffy air.
• Lack of air movement.
• Dirty HVAC systems.
• Mold, mildew, or excessive humidity.
• Health issues after renovations, or when using new furniture or products.
• Feeling better when outside.

Common Indoor Air Pollutants:

• Biological pollutants: Mold, mildew, dust mites, and pet dander.
• Combustion byproducts: Carbon monoxide from gas appliances.
• Chemical pollutants: VOCs from paints, cleaners, and furnishings.
• Radon: A radioactive gas from soil that causes lung cancer with prolonged exposure.
• Asbestos: Found in older homes in the form of insulation, duct wrap, and other building materials.
• Lead: Often in paint in homes built before 1978, and used in plumbing from the late 1800s to the 1940s.
• Tobacco smoke: Harmful to all, especially children.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality:

• Ventilation: Open windows regularly, use/install exhaust fans in bathrooms, and ensure appliances are vented properly.
• Moisture Control: Use dehumidifiers, fix leaks, and have any visible mold remediated.
• HVAC Maintenance: Regularly clean or replace filters and have your duct system inspected.
• Safe Product Use: Choose low-VOC or non-toxic products, and follow manufacturer instructions.
• Monitor for Radon and Carbon Monoxide: Have radon tested and mitigate as necessary, install CO detectors.

Room-Specific Solutions:

• Living Areas: Reduce formaldehyde by choosing low-emission furniture and maintaining moderate temperatures.
• Kitchen: Clean stove burners, vent gas appliances, and avoid using them for heating.
• Bathroom: Ventilate after using personal care products or air fresheners.
• Bedroom: Keep humidifiers clean and wash bedding in hot water to reduce dust mites.
• Crawlspaces/Basements: Install sump pumps, vapor barriers and insulation as necessary to prevent moisture and mold.
• Garage: Never run engines indoors and store paints or chemicals safely.

Health Risks of Indoor Air Pollution:

• Immediate effects: Irritation of eyes, nose, and throat; dizziness; headaches.
• Long-term effects: Respiratory diseases, heart disease, or cancer.

Take Action:

Maintaining good indoor air quality is essential for health and comfort. Regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and using safer products can go a long way in reducing the risks. Don’t wait—test for pollutants like radon, and schedule a home inspection to ensure your air quality is at its best.