Is Your House Making You Sick? Indoor Air Pollution Causes

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Indoor air matters

Most people assume pollution is outside only. Yet we spend more than 90% of our time indoors and about 65% of that at home. Indoor air often contains irritants and toxins that slowly affect health, and symptoms usually mimic common illnesses such as colds, allergies, or flu.

How indoor pollution shows up

When time inside a building makes people feel worse, the Environmental Protection Agency uses the term Indoor air quality and related sources call it sick building syndrome. Symptoms include sore throat, rashes, fatigue, muscle aches, stomach upset, headaches, sleep disruption, brain fog, and depression or agitation without another explanation.

If symptoms ease when you leave the house or disappear on vacation, that points to something in the indoor environment. Respiratory signs include sinus infections, worse allergies, aggravated asthma, and congestion.

Major indoor contaminants to watch for

1. Mold

Mold causes throat and eye irritation, coughing, nasal congestion, and skin problems. Poor ventilation, water damage, and flooding increase mold risk. Keep vents and exhaust fans working and dry any wet areas quickly.

2. Volatile organic compounds

VOCs such as formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, and xylene off-gas from new flooring, new carpet, paints, and some furniture. Symptoms include dizziness, headaches, sore throat, and itchy eyes. Ventilate well after painting or installing new materials.

3. Dust mites

Dust mites are microscopic. Their droppings become airborne during dusting or vacuuming and trigger allergic reactions. Humidity control helps reduce mite populations.

4. Air fresheners

Scented sprays and plug-ins contain chemicals that can react with ozone in air and form secondary pollutants. These byproducts can cause nausea, breathing difficulty, dizziness, headaches, allergies, digestive complaints, and nervous system symptoms.

5. Pesticides

Over-the-counter pesticides can harm people if used improperly. Hire licensed exterminators for persistent infestations, or try targeted, low-toxicity options to reduce health risks.

6. Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, released by heaters, fuel-burning stoves, and some appliances. Early signs include dizziness, nausea, confusion, headache, and extreme tiredness. High levels can be fatal. Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors and have fuel-burning appliances serviced annually.

If you suspect your home is affecting your health, start with common fixes: improve ventilation, control humidity, stop sources of dampness, choose low-VOC products, and use detectors for carbon monoxide. For persistent problems, get professional testing or an indoor air quality assessment.