Clearing the Air: Indoor Air Quality and Your Health

We breathe in and out 22,000 times per day - we can go days without food or water, but only minutes without air. Indoor air quality took on a new urgency when it became clear that the COVID-19 virus is airborne and can be spread through contaminated air. But airborne viruses like COVID-19 and influenza are not the only thing we breathe that can impact our health. Mold spores, pollution, wildfire smoke, and volatile compounds from gas stoves, cleaning products, paint, furniture, plastics, and personal care products can all be found in indoor spaces, invisible, but with health effects both short and long term.

There are things we can do globally to improve air quality for everyone. Government and industry groups in the United States are beginning to develop standards for air quality in homes, workplaces and schools, an important first step. But what can we do now for the spaces we’re in every day? Here are three strategies for safeguarding your health in indoor spaces.

1. HEPA Filters: We’ve been talking about and recommending HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters for a long time at Energy Matters, for allergy sufferers, to mitigate wildfire smoke and chemical pollution, and now to reduce the risk of Coronavirus and flu transmission. Superfine filters remove 99.7% of microscopic particles from the air, reducing smells and our exposure to chemicals and viruses. Choose the right size filter for your space, and maintain it regularly by cleaning the pre filters and changing the HEPA at the recommended intervals. 

   When to use: There’s no real down-side to using a HEPA filter, but they’re especially useful in an indoor space where ventilation is limited or difficult, like offices with non-opening windows or no cross breeze, if outdoor air quality is bad and you have to keep windows closed, or if multiple people will be sharing the space. 

2. CO2 Monitors: Coronavirus set off a flurry of research and product development focused on indoor air quality, especially with regards to disease transmission. A handy tool to help evaluate the safety of an indoor space is a CO2 monitor. By measuring the amount of carbon dioxide in the air, we can get a good idea of how frequently the air is being refreshed (the CDC now recommends 5 complete air changes per hour), and how much we’re breathing in other people’s exhalations, which may contain airborne viruses. Once thousands of dollars, hand held CO2 monitors can now be purchased for under $200. The People’s CDC has a guide on using one to measure ventilation. However they aren’t useful in spaces where HEPA filters are being run - the filters will take viruses and other particles out of the air, but don’t remove CO2. 

   When to use: in an indoor space with other people in it when you want to gauge how well-ventilated the air is. CO2 readings can help you decide whether to wear a mask, open windows, have less people, or choose a different space for your activity.

3. Natural ventilation and air purification: I grew up in a family where “lüften” or fresh air was a must, and we slept with open windows even in the snowy Canadian winter! You don’t have to go that far, but exchanging air regularly with the outside is a simple, free and effective way to improve your indoor air quality. 

   House plants have been discussed as air purifiers for decades. Many studies have shown that plants can reduce pollutants such as carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, and other volatile organic compounds responsible for a plethora of health problems. Plants may also release antimicrobial phytochemicals. The soothing effect of indoor plants also has a measurable benefit, increasing our immunity and lowering stress levels.

   When to use: Open windows when air quality outside is good, and use a cross-breeze or fans to refresh stale air inside. Houseplants on their own aren’t enough to truly purify the air, and might not be a good choice if you are sensitive to mold in the soil, but otherwise choose plants that suit your lifestyle and space, are safe for any pets or kids in your home, and enjoy their healing company!

Breathe Easy,
Kirsten Cowan
Clinic Manager, Licensed Acupuncturist

PS Check out this fun and informative on-demand class about using essential oils for better respiratory health!