Understanding How Indoor Air Quality is Affected

The status of air within and around our household is known as indoor air quality. It is what we breathe daily when we’re inside our homes. There are several factors that influence the quality of air in your sanctuary such as the levels of humidity and ventilation. However, the most common cause of poor indoor air quality is the presence of pollutants and allergens. Typical elements that can affect our indoor air include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dust buildup, pet dander, pollen, mold, and odors from cooking or smoking.

Indoor air quality is so important as it directly impacts our overall health and well-being. Poor indoor air quality from exposure to allergens can lead to immediate allergy symptoms. These include sneezing, coughing, and nasal congestion as well as headaches. More worrisome, long-term exposure to indoor pollutants can result in chronic respiratory conditions, heart disease, and even cancer.

Other than health risks, poor indoor air quality can create an unlivable living environment. It can also affect our ability to concentrate, focus, or even relax. While invisible, our air is a crucial factor in our day-to-day lives.

Understanding how our passions and hobbies contribute to our household indoor air quality is essential to create a healthier environment for our loved ones to enjoy. Let’s take a closer look at what causes bad indoor air quality.

Cooking & Baking

There’s something magical about the aroma of a homemade meal wafting through the air. But behind the culinary creations lie nasty pollutants. Cooking and baking can release poisonous gases into the air, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and VOCs. These pollutants can irritate the respiratory system and cause indoor pollution. To lessen the impact of these fumes, families should use appropriate fans, ventilation, and maintain adequate in-home filtration.

Furry Friends & Dander

Our furry buddies bring joy and companionship into our homes… and much fur into the air! Pet dander, saliva, and fur can trigger allergies in those who are sensitive. Regular grooming, vacuuming, and making use of air filtration devices can help reduce pet-related allergens in your home.

Dust and Paint Fumes from Home Renovation

Renovating your home can breathe a new sense of life into your space. However, while undergoing these makeovers, dust and chemical pollutants can be introduced. Sanding, painting, and using adhesives can release particles and VOCs into the air. Proper ventilation, dust contaminant measures, and using eco-friendly products can help minimize these harmful risks.

Humidity from Showering or Bathing

The rejuvenating experience of standing under your shower head to allow the water to rush over your body is incredibly relaxing. However, this can increase indoor humidity levels in the bathroom. Excess moisture can promote mold and mildew growth, which has the potential to create complex respiratory issues. Using exhaust fans, keeping bathroom doors closed, and repairing any leaks can help control humidity levels.

Burning Candles or Incense

Lighting candles or burning incense sticks can create a cozy atmosphere. They do, however, release harmful pollutants when burned. Some candles emit VOCs and particulate matter, which worsen indoor air quality and irritate the respiratory system. Circulating your air using filters can help minimize these effects. Additionally, keep the wicks of the candles trimmed to prevent unnecessary emittance of smoke.

Since we know how we might introduce the invisible pollutants and allergens into our homes unknowingly, let’s look at how to test home air quality. By doing so, you can take proactive steps to reduce their effects and improve air quality in our homes.

Odor Detection

Unpleasant or unusual odors can also indicate the presence of indoor air pollutants. For example, the smell of strong chemical odors from cleaning products may suggest that VOCs are present. Musty or damp odors could be a sign of mold growth, while the odor of gas may indicate a leak from fuel-burning appliances.

Visual Inspection

The most traditional method of identifying indoor air pollutants is through visual inspection. Look for signs of mold and mildew growth on surfaces, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom. These microorganisms appear as dark spots and may have a musty odor. Also, be on the lookout for dust build-up on surfaces, especially those with inadequate ventilation or heavy foot traffic.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon monoxide is gas without color or smell that can originate from fuel-burning appliances such as gas stoves, furnaces, or water heaters. It is advisable to place carbon monoxide detectors in essential zones in your home, such as the bedroom and common living areas. These devices will notify you of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and can prevent a potential poisoning incident. Be sure to service your detectors regularly to ensure that they are working correctly.

Professional Inspection

If you think there might be air quality issues in your home but can’t pinpoint the source, consider hiring a professional indoor air quality inspector. These experts can thoroughly assess your household’s air quality, including testing for mold, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants. Based on their findings, they can suggest ways to improve indoor air quality and ensure a healthier living environment for you and your family. In some instances, home renovations.

While it’s important to be aware of your household indoor air quality, it shouldn’t cause you any unnecessary stress. There are several simple ways and practical solutions to help you maintain cleaner indoor air quality, enabling you to enjoy your home with peace of mind.

Use air filters: Invest in high-quality air filters for your HVAC system with appropriate MERV ratings to help tackle airborne contaminants. These devices work to capture and deliver the cleanest air to you and your family.

Turn on exhaust fans: When cooking or showering, be sure to use exhaust fans if available. Venting out pollutants and excess moisture helps prevent build-up of harmful gases.

Choose natural cleaning products: Opt for natural or eco-friendly products that are free from harsh VOCs. Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are good choices that can effectively clean your home without compromising indoor air quality.

Keep floors clean: Vacuum and mop floors regularly to remove dust, pet dander, and other allergens that can accumulate over time. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap small particles and prevent them from being recirculated into the air.

Increase ventilation: Open your windows and doors wherever possible. This allows fresh air to circulate throughout your home. Adequate ventilation helps dilute allergens by replenishing stale indoor air.

Finding the right air filter can make all the difference in your search for cleaner, fresher indoor air. Kleenex offers a range of air filters designed to target specific airborne contaminants and improve indoor air quality for a healthier living environment. Let's take a closer look at Kleenex's various air filters and their unique features:

Allergen Air Filter (MERV 8)

The Kleenex Allergen Air Filter is designed to capture common household allergens, helping to provide your home and family with clean air. With a MERV 8 rating, this filter works to capture lint, household dust, dust mites, smog, and pollen.

Advanced Allergen Air Filter (MERV 11)

Building upon the performance of the standard Allergen Air Filter, the Kleenex Advanced Allergen Air Filter offers enhanced filtration capabilities for those with furry friends or more severe allergies. With its higher MERV 11 rating, this filter is tailored to capture pet dander, dust mite debris, and smog. This provides higher protection for those who might be more sensitive towards allergies. By removing these irritants from the air, the Advanced Allergen Air Filter creates healthier indoor environment for you and your family.

Elite Allergen Air Filter (MERV 12)

The Kleenex Elite Allergen Air Filter raises the bar with a MERV 12 rating and certification by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. This filter achieves a MERV 12 rating and is specially designed to capture airborne bacteria released through sneeze debris. By targeting these potential health hazards, the Elite Allergen Air Filter helps to reduce allergens and minimize the exposure to respiratory infections. It features patented Dual Air Flow Technology; it can be easily installed in either direction.

Elite Allergen Air Filter (MERV 13)

Kleenex’s flagship Kleenex Elite Allergen Air Filter showcases a MERV 13 rating and sets a new standard in air filtration. Certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, this filter has electrostatic charged fiber for increased filtration efficiency and dust holding capacity. With its superior air filtration technology, the Elite Allergen MERV 13 provides maximum protection against airborne allergens, bacteria, and viruses. It features patented Dual Air Flow Technology; it can be easily installed in either direction.

Now that you've found the ideal Kleenex Air Filter to improve your home's indoor air quality, you can find it conveniently at a local retailer.