When winter’s chill forces us indoors more than usual, the risk of exposure to air pollutants, including COVID-19 virus particles, can be significantly higher than when we are outside.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 72 percent of chemical exposures in the average individual comes from inside the home. So, when you are spending more time indoors, it is especially important to know about potential risks and how to improve your home’s indoor air quality.
Pollutants from cleaning products, smoke, pet dander, mold and radon are just some of the causes of poor indoor air quality. Additionally, the increased risk of spreading COVID-19 among household members places more importance on clean indoor air.
Here are seven ways to improve your home’s air quality that are recommended by Mid-America Regional Council, Kansas State University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
1. Increase ventilation to reduce COVID-19 risks
Staying home with only members of your household is the best way to keep the COVID-19 virus particles out of your home, according to the CDC. However, if a visitor comes into your home, the best prevention is to improve air flow by opening windows, using air filters, turning on exhaust fans – and of course keeping six feet apart and wearing masks. The CDC recommends using a window, kitchen or bath exhaust fan or placing a fan near an open window or door when others are in your home. You can also turn the thermostat fan to the “on” position, instead of “auto” for better air circulation.
For additional air filtration, the CDC suggests a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaner for trapping particles that people exhale when breathing, talking, coughing or sneezing. For more information, see EPA’s Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home
2. Test for radon in your home
Radon is a radioactive gas that is linked to lung cancer. It is unnoticeable in homes because you cannot see, taste or smell it. According to the EPA, radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year.
“About 40 percent of the homes in Johnson County have elevated levels of radon,” said Mike Boothe, environmental compliance manager for Johnson County Department of Health and Environment. “One of the best things someone can do if they are building a new home is to install Radon-Resistant Construction as the house is being built. The current cost for a system installed in an existing house is around $700-$900, but it depends on a lot of factors.”
For Kansas homeowners, Kansas State University’s Kansas Radon Program (KRP) offers inexpensive radon testing kits at several county extension offices. Kits range from $6-$8. Missouri residents can order a free radon testing kit from the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services. Kits can also be purchased at area hardware stores.
3. Check out humidity levels
Make sure that humidity in your home is kept at an acceptable level. When humidity levels are too high, homes are more susceptible to mold and mildew, and family members may be more susceptible to respiratory problems. Not enough house humidity can lead to scratchy throats, skin irritation and static electricity. Homes must have an adequate amount of ventilation, focusing on areas that tend to have more moisture build up. Overall, though, humidity levels should be less than 50 percent. To test humidity levels, hardware stores sell hygrometers between $11 and $40. Some temperature gages and humidifiers also measure humidity levels.
4. Be on the lookout for mold
Any area where there is standing water, water stains or damp surfaces can be a host for mold growth. Bathrooms and basements are unusually susceptible because of the potential for moisture. Watch for signs of mold growth. At times there will be a smell and it can be visible to the eye. Household plants are good for filtering out carbon dioxide and common volatile organic compounds in homes, but can also be a host for mold if overwatered. Make sure you are taking care of any indoor plants properly. If furnishing or carpets get wet, take steps to dry them as quickly as possible so mold does not form.
5. Reconsider flooring options
Carpets make it easier for dust mites to collect, affecting those with allergies and mite sensitivity. Replacing carpets with harder surfaces like wood or tile can be a better option. If you have rugs, clean them with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter vacuum, which filters out 99.7 percent of small particles.
6. Regularly clean A/C condensing units, humidifiers and dehumidifiers
Germs and mold spores can be found on heating, cooling and humidifying equipment. Even dead mold spores can cause allergy symptoms. To clean and disinfect equipment, use chlorine bleach or more eco-friendly mixtures of white vinegar and water, tea tree oil and water, or hydrogen peroxide.
7. Make smart furniture and building supply choices
Certain types of plywood and particleboard off-gas fair amounts of formaldehyde and other pollutants. When selecting furniture or building materials, look for products that are formaldehyde-free. If unavoidable, ask manufacturers to air out new furniture or carpets prior to delivery.
Photo: Bill Wilson / CC
Thanks for sharing the well-written article, It will be very helpful for my family.
This is an informative article.
Another point about humidity with respect to COVID is that dry indoor air, which we often have in the winter, allows virus droplets to desiccate and stay airborne. Studies in class rooms show reduced flu spread from adding humidifiers.
Measuring indoor CO2 levels can also help quantify the amount of ventilation and air exchanges taking place. Although there aren’t agreed upon standards, I keep our house below 800 ppm by running an energy recovery ventilator.
My company, Willdan Performance Engineering out of Lawrence KS, has articles on indoor air quality with respect to COVID on Medium.com.
I appreciate your tips on the ways to improve indoor air quality at home, I’m glad you mentioned cleaning air conditioning units and humidifiers to remove any allergens that may have taken root inside the unit. I haven’t had my air conditioning unit serviced in a while, and since summer is coming up, I think it might be best to have it done as soon as possible. I’m going to research air conditioning maintenance professionals to check on my cooling unit this weekend.
It was nice that you mentioned that your germs and mold spores could be found in AC units, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers, so they must be disinfected regularly. My husband and I actually want to improve the air quality of our house since our children are prone to allergies. We are interested in hiring an HVAC contractor that can install a unit for us to keep clean air inside our house. We will do all your tips.
Thanks for sharing this post. I really agree with the seven ways to improve air quality in the home, especially the second one about radon, which is a proven cause of lung cancer.