Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out of the area. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. Understanding and controlling common pollutants indoors can help reduce your risk of indoor health concerns. Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly, years later.

If you are advised to stay indoors, keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed. Run an air conditioner if you have one. Keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean. Use a high-efficiency filter with HEPA or MERV 13 or higher rating. Air purifiers and filters can be purchased at your local hardware store or online. If you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, seek shelter in a designated evacuation center or away from the affected area. Learn more about reducing your smoke exposure indoors. If you are sensitive to smoke, create a “clean room” in your home. Choose a room with no fireplace and as few windows and doors as possible, such as a bedroom. Use a portable air cleaner in the room. Avoid activities that increase indoor pollution: Burning candles, fireplaces, or gas stoves can increase indoor pollution. Vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home, contributing to indoor pollution. Smoking also puts even more pollution into the air.

Source Control Usually, the most effective way to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate individual pollution sources or reduce their emissions. Improved Ventilation For most indoor air quality problems in the home, source control is the most effective solution. Another way to lower indoor air pollutants in your home is to increase the amount of outdoor air coming indoors. Air Cleaners There are many types and sizes of air cleaners on the market, ranging from relatively inexpensive table-top models to sophisticated and expensive whole-house systems. Some air cleaners are highly effective at particle removal, while others, including most table-top models, are much less so. Air cleaners are generally not designed to remove gaseous pollutants. Learn more about air cleaners The effectiveness of an air cleaner depends on how well it collects pollutants from indoor air (expressed as a percentage efficiency rate) and how much air it draws through the cleaning or filtering element (expressed in cubic feet per minute).

Fuel-burning combustion appliances like wood or pellet stoves Tobacco products Building materials and furnishings as diverse as: Deteriorated asbestos-containing insulation Newly installed flooring, upholstery or carpet Cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products Products for household cleaning and maintenance, personal care, or hobbies Central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices Excess moisture Outdoor sources such as: Radon Pesticides Outdoor air pollution

201 to 300 - Very Unhealthy Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.

301 and Higher - Hazardous Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected.

151 to 200 - Unhealthy Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.

0 to 50 - Good Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.

101 to 150 - Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.

51 to 100 - Moderate Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.