We think of air pollution as being an outdoor issue, but did you know that indoor air can be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoor air.
We spend around 90% of our time indoors, meaning we are breathing this air most of the time, even when we are sleeping. If the air in our homes and workplaces is of poor quality, it can have a huge impact on our health. And if we get sick we tend to spend even more time indoors. If the air in your home is making you sick, then you get sicker.
Poor indoor air has been linked to:
- cognitive issues (brain fog), headaches, poor sleep
- irritation of the nose, throat and eyes
- palpitations
- breathing difficulties/worsening of asthma
Breathing poor quality air can have lasting effects on children, as highlighed by a recent paper published by Harvard University Centre on the Developing Child*.
We cannot see air, and we cannot see indoor air pollution. It is very much out of sight and out of mind.
Which is why I’m keen to get you thinking about it.
The good news??
We can take steps to improve the air in our homes, and many of them are straightforward.
First, we need to know where the pollution is coming from.
Here are the top offenders:
- Cleaning products (especially sprays and aerosols)
- Synthetic candles, air fresheners & incense
- Gas stoves & wood-burning fireplaces
- Furniture & paint (off-gassing VOCs)
- Pet dander/hair (perfect food for dust mites)
- And of course, mould
So what can we do?
✅ Go fragrance-free – ditch synthetic candles and sprays
✅ Ventilate regularly – open windows for 10–15 mins daily, even in winter
✅ Use an air purifier – especially in bedrooms and workspaces
✅ Keep humidity in check – aim for 30–50% to prevent mould
✅ Vacuum with a HEPA filter – especially if you have pets
✅ Choose natural materials – for rugs, furniture, and bedding
✅ Switch to low-VOC products – for cleaning, painting & furnishing
Your whole body breathes what you breathe — let’s make it clean air.
*https://developingchild.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HCDC_ECSCEE-Air-V4-1.pdf
