Indoor air quality affects everything from daily comfort to long-term health. Many pollutants are hard to see, but they can come from common household products, building materials, and even moisture in the home. The EPA outlines a wide range of indoor air contaminants, with everything from gases to particles and biological growth on its Indoor Pollutants and Sources page, and many of them appear in typical homes without homeowners realizing it.
Common Indoor Air Contaminants — What They Are and Why They Matter
Indoor air contaminants come from everyday activities and materials in your home. They include chemicals from cleaners and paints, tiny particles from dust and pets, and moisture that can lead to mold. When these pollutants build up, they can make the air feel heavy and trigger allergies, coughing, or sinus problems.
What Causes Indoor Air Pollution?
Most indoor air pollution comes from normal activities combined with limited ventilation. When fresh air can’t move in, and polluted air can’t move out, contaminants build up quickly.
Common causes include:
- Cleaning sprays, scented products, and disinfectants
- Gas appliances such as stoves, furnaces, and water heaters
- Moisture problems that lead to mold
- Smoke from cooking, fireplaces, or tobacco
- Dust, dirt, and pet dander trapped in carpets and fabrics
Routine HVAC filter changes and better airflow can make a noticeable difference.
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): Common Sources
VOCs are gases released from many everyday products. The EPA lists them as one of the most widespread indoor air contaminants. They often cause irritation or strong odors, especially after cleaning or remodeling.
Common VOC sources include:
- Paints, stains, and varnishes
- Cleaning products
- Air fresheners and scented candles
- Glues, adhesives, and craft supplies
- New furniture or carpeting made with pressed wood
How to reduce VOCs:
- Choose low-VOC paints and cleaners
- Use exhaust fans or open windows when cleaning or cooking
- Store chemicals tightly sealed
- Ask an HVAC technician about air purifiers that target VOCs
Particulate Matter and Dust (Including Pet Dander)
Particulate matter refers to tiny airborne particles such as dust, dirt, fibers, and pet dander. These particles often trigger sneezing, itchy eyes, or coughing.
Where these particles come from:
- Dirty or clogged HVAC filters
- Pets that shed dander
- Carpets, upholstery, bedding, and drapes
- Cooking smoke or fireplace use
How to reduce particulate buildup:
- Change HVAC filters on schedule
- Vacuum with a HEPA-filter vacuum
- Dust with microfiber cloths
- Consider a whole-home air purifier to trap smaller particles
Mold and Biological Contaminants
Moisture creates ideal conditions for mold, bacteria, and dust mites. Once mold forms, it can release spores that move through the air.
Common causes include:
- High indoor humidity
- Plumbing leaks
- Damp basements or crawl spaces
- Poor ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms
How to reduce mold and biological contaminants:
- Keep indoor humidity between 30 percent and 50 percent
- Run exhaust fans when cooking or showering
- Fix leaks right away
- Have a technician check for hidden moisture issues during HVAC maintenance
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous indoor air pollutant because it’s colorless, odorless, and harmful even at low levels. It comes from fuel-burning appliances that aren’t venting correctly.
Common CO sources:
- Furnaces
- Gas stoves and ovens
- Fireplaces
- Gas water heaters
- Vehicles running in attached garages
How to stay safe:
- Install CO detectors on each floor
- Schedule annual inspections for gas appliances
- Keep vents and chimneys clear
Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that seeps into homes through cracks in the foundation. It’s invisible and odorless, so testing is the only way to know if radon is present.
How to address radon:
- Use a radon test kit or professional testing
- Seal cracks and gaps in the basement
- Install a mitigation system if levels are high
Smoke and Combustion Pollutants
Smoke from cooking, fireplaces, or tobacco leaves fine particles and gases in the air long after the smoke disappears.
How to reduce smoke indoors:
- Use a range hood that vents outside
- Limit candle burning
- Have chimneys cleaned and inspected
- Never smoke indoors
Improve indoor air quality with Wade Heating & Cooling
Managing indoor air contaminants becomes easier with the right ventilation, humidity control, and filtration. Wade Heating & Cooling offers solutions such as upgraded filters, air purifiers, humidifiers, and ventilation improvements. Our licensed and certified technicians can look at your home’s airflow and help you choose the right equipment to improve indoor air quality.
For cleaner, healthier air in your home, contact Wade Heating & Cooling today to schedule indoor air quality services.
