Climate Change and Health

Indoor Air Quality and Health

Northerners spend a lot of time indoors, especially during the long winter season. Whether you are at work, at home, or in other indoor spaces, it is important to know how indoor air quality can change, how it can affect your health and wellbeing, and what you can do about it. Health effects of poor indoor air quality

Indoor air affects everyone differently. Repeated exposure to poor indoor air quality can lead to:

  • dryness and irritation in the eyes, nose, throat, and skin
  • headaches
  • fatigue
  • shortness of breath
  • allergic reactions
  • nasal congestion
  • coughing or sneezing
  • dizziness
  • nausea

Generally, these symptoms resolve after leaving the indoor space and getting some fresh air or by improving the indoor air quality through minor repairs, renovations, cleaning, or ventilation.

If you experience severe symptoms, call 8-1-1 or visit your local health centre.

If you are having a medical emergency, dial 9-1-1 or visit your local emergency room or health centre.

How to improve indoor air quality

There are 3 basic ways to improve indoor air quality:

  1. Control the source
  2. Improve ventilation
  3. Clean the air

1. Control the source

The most effective way to improve your indoor air is to and remove or reduce the sources of indoor air pollutants.

Some examples of sources of indoor air pollutants include:

  • Smoking
    Smoke and vapour from cigarettes and e-cigaretters, also known as vapes, emit a wide range of chemicals.

    What to do: Make your home smoke-free. 
     
  • Attached garage
    Vehicle exhaust and emissions from gas-powered equipment, generators, and barbecues can enter your home from an attached garage.

    What to do: Avoid idling vehicles or operating fuel-burning equipment in the garage.
     
  • Cooking
    Cooking can release particles, gases, and moisture into the air. Frying generally produces more particles, while gas stoves can emit gases and ultrafine particles.

    What to do: Use back burners when possible, run the range hood on the highest setting, and open a nearby window if conditions allow.

    To learn more about cooking and indoor air quality visit Cooking and indoor air quality (Government of Canada)
     
  • Mould, dampness, and water leaks
    Moisture problems and high humidity can lead to mould growth.

    What to do: Repair leaks promptly, control indoor humidity, and increase ventilation when possible.

    To learn more about mould visit Mould.
     
  • Heating
    Fuel-burning appliances such as fireplaces, stoves, furnaces, and water heaters can release smoke, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds.

    What to do: Follow manufacturer maintenance instructions, have appliances, chimneys, and flues inspected annually by a qualified professional, and install a certified carbon monoxide alarm near sleeping areas.

    Ensure you have at least one working certified carbon monoxide alarm in your home near any sleeping area(s).
     
  • Renovations and home improvements
    Building materials and products can release contaminants such as formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds, and asbestos.

    What to do: Increase ventilation during indoor activities such as painting, cleaning, varnishing, and renovations.

    To learn more about indoor air contaminants, visit Air contaminants and health (Government of Canada).

2. Improve ventilation

Proper ventilation can help improve indoor air quality by reducing indoor air pollutants, controlling moisture, and increasing air circulation.

Examples of steps to take to improve ventilation:

  • leave interior doors open to allow air to flow through the home
  • open windows and exterior doors when outdoor air quality is good and weather permits
  • during periods of poor outdoor air quality, reduce air entering the home from outside by closing windows
  • use bathroom and kitchen fans to circulate indoor air
  • use one or more fans to circulate indoor air
  • keep baseboards or heating vents clear of furniture
  • keep beds, bedding and furniture away from outside walls to allow enough air and heat to flow around furnishings
  • use a mechanical HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system in your home with a filtration system built into the ductwork
  • replace or clean the filters of your air equipment, including your furnace, as per the manufacturer's instructions

3. Clean the air

Portable air cleaners, also called air purifiers, can help improve indoor air quality by filtering and removing small particles and air contaminants from the air.

For more information, including tips for choosing an air cleaner visit Using a portable air cleaner to improve indoor air (Government of Canada).

Do-it-Yourself (DIY) air cleaners, such as box fans with high-efficiency filters (e.g. MERV 13 or HEPA), are more affordable and effective alternatives to improve indoor air quality. For more information on how to make a DIY air cleaner visit The BREATHE Project: DIY Air Cleaners (BC Lung Foundation).

For more information on creating a cleaner and cooler air space in your home visit Cleaner and Cooler Air.

Additional Resources