Indoor Air Quality

The air you breathe at home can make a big difference in how you feel. Cleaner air can:

• Help you avoid coughing, itchy eyes, or sore throats

• Keep asthma or heart conditions from getting worse

• Lower your chances of lung infections and heart problems

If someone in your family has asthma, allergies, or heart issues, clean air is especially important. Let’s explore how to make it happen.

What can make your air unhealthy?

Sometimes, the air inside your home can have things in it that aren’t good for you. Here are some common causes of poor indoor air:

• Dust and pet hair: These can collect on surfaces and trigger allergies or breathing issues.

• Mould: This grows in damp places like bathrooms or basements.

• Chemicals: Found in cleaning sprays, paints, and even furniture.

• Smoke: From cigarettes, fireplaces, or cooking.

• Gases:

• Carbon monoxide: A harmful gas that can leak from stoves or furnaces if they aren’t working properly.

• Radon: An invisible gas that can build up in your home from the ground below.

Easy steps to improve your indoor air

Making your air cleaner doesn’t have to be hard. Start with these simple changes:

1. Cut back on pollutants

• Don’t smoke indoors—it’s one of the worst things for indoor air

• Skip scented candles, sprays, or air fresheners

• Use low-chemical products, like VOC-free paints and cleaners

2. Let in fresh air

• Open windows when the weather is nice to bring in fresh air

• Use fans in your kitchen and bathroom to clear out smells and moisture

3. Keep your home dry to stop mould

• Try to keep your home’s air “not too damp and not too dry.” A good balance is between 30 per cent and 50 per cent humidity

• Use a dehumidifier in places like basements, where it’s often damp

• Fix leaks and clean up spills right away to stop mould from growing

4. Keep up with your appliances

• Clean or replace air filters every one to three months

• Get your gas stove and furnace checked every year to make sure they’re working safely

5. Check for radon

• Radon is a gas that comes from the ground and can collect in your home. It’s invisible, so you’ll need a test kit to find out if it’s there

• Radon test kits are easy to use and available at hardware stores. If levels are high, professionals can help lower them

What should you do next?

Here’s how to get started:

1. Stop smoking indoors and reduce scented products

2. Open windows or use fans to improve air circulation

3. Check for damp spots and fix any leaks to prevent mould

If you’re still worried about your air quality, consider hiring a professional to do a home test.