According to the Environmental Protection Agency, we spend about 90% of our time indoors. That means the air inside your home has a big impact on your health. In fact, indoor air pollutants can be two to five times higher than what’s found outdoors. And 72% of the average American’s chemical exposure happens at home. That’s why indoor air quality (IAQ) isn’t just a buzzword—it’s something every Maryland and Virginia homeowner should be concerned about.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
Exposure to indoor air pollutants and poor indoor air quality can lead to real health problems. From eye, nose and throat irritation to headaches, fatigue, and more serious issues like heart disease or lung cancer, the air you breathe at home affects your well-being.
Many people also suffer from indoor allergies. Dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and even cockroach particles can all affect indoor air quality. And let’s not forget serious risks like carbon monoxide and radon gas, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
It’s no wonder the Environmental Protection Agency ranks indoor air pollution among the top environmental health risks today.
Common Sources of Indoor Air Pollution
Most indoor pollutants come from everyday items and home features. Things like:
► Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Emitted from paints, cleaners, air fresheners, and even new furniture and carpeting.
► Combustion Byproducts
Gas stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, and tobacco smoke produce carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and other particulates.
► Biological Allergens
These include mold, mildew, pet dander, and pollen.
► Building Materials
Older homes may have issues with asbestos. Newer homes use more synthetic materials.
► Outdoor Pollutants
Outdoor air quality problems from vehicle exhaust, smog, pesticides, and radon gas can enter your home through leaks and penetrations.
Insulation and Air Sealing for Healthier Air
Sealing your home properly helps block unwanted air and keep indoor contaminants outside. Spray foam insulation, for example, both seals and insulates in one step to create a cleaner, more controlled indoor environment for you and your family.
The benefits of properly insulating and air sealing your home include:
- Blocking outdoor pollutants like traffic fumes and radon
- Reducing dust and allergens
- Dramatically decreasing mold and moisture by limiting humid air intrusion
- Keeping temperatures steady, which helps your lungs
But sealing isn’t enough on its own. You need to “seal tight and ventilate right.” This balanced approach is key to improving indoor air quality.
Ventilation – The Importance of Proper Home Ventilation
Good ventilation helps control pollutant levels, odors, temperature, and humidity. There are four basic ventilation systems:
- Exhaust Ventilation (like bathroom fans) pulls stale air out.
- Supply Ventilation brings in filtered fresh air.
- Balanced Ventilation systems bring in and push out equal air.
- Energy or Heat Recovery Ventilators (ERVs/HRVs) transfer heat and moisture to save energy and improve air exchange.
These systems help maintain healthy humidity levels (30–50%), expel moisture, and prevent long term buildup of harmful pollutants. The recommended rate? About 0.35 air changes per hour.
Low-Emitting Materials (GREENGUARD Certification)
One of the most effective ways to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals is by choosing safe products from the start. This is called “source control.”
Look for UL GREENGUARD Certified products which are scientifically tested for low emissions. Recommended options include:
- Low-VOC or zero-VOC paints, sealants, and stains.
- Furniture and cabinets made from GREENGUARD Gold certified, solid wood with low-VOC finishes.
- Certified carpet and hard surface flooring that meet strict air quality standards.
- Insulation that’s formaldehyde-free and GREENGUARD certified.
These choices help reduce exposure to unhealthy chemicals and cut back on indoor air pollution.
Creating a Breathable Home
Keeping your indoor air clean takes effort. Start by minimizing pollution sources, sealing up leaks, upgrading your insulation, and making sure your home is ventilated properly. Also stay on top of maintenance—change filters regularly, manage humidity, and clean surfaces often.
Each of these steps will make a real and lasting difference in creating a healthier indoor environment for you and your family. Foam InSEALators is here to help you maintain a healthy, energy-efficient home with our tailored insulation and air sealing solutions. Contact us today to schedule your free home assessment and learn more about how to improve your Maryland or Virginia home’s indoor air quality.
References
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Indoor Air Quality: Report on the Environment epa.gov
UL Solutions – Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Overview, ul.com
EPA – Indoor Air Quality and Health Effects, epa.gov
UL Solutions – What Does GREENGUARD Certified Mean?, ul.com
U.S. Department of Energy – Energy Saver: Air Sealing Your Home energy.gov
U.S. Department of Energy – Whole-House Ventilation Strategies energy.gov
U.S. EPA – How Much Ventilation Do I Need in My Home? epa.gov
National Center for Healthy Housing – Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality nchh.org