How do I test my home's indoor air quality?
Consumer IAQ monitors can track particulate matter, VOCs, humidity, and CO2 in real time, ranging from simple single-metric devices to more comprehensive multi-sensor kits. Professional testing is also available for a more detailed assessment.
Does outdoor AQI affect my indoor air quality?
Yes, though not always in exact proportion — outdoor pollution and smoke work their way indoors through doors, windows, and HVAC intake. Indoor air also has its own pollutant sources on top of whatever comes in from outside.
Can poor indoor air quality affect my sleep?
Yes — elevated CO2, allergens, and particulate matter in the bedroom are linked to more disrupted sleep and grogginess the next day. Good ventilation and a clean filter in the bedroom's air path can help.
What are the EPA's indoor air quality standards?
The EPA doesn't set the same kind of binding numeric standards for indoor air that it does for outdoor AQI, but it does publish guidance on pollutant sources, ventilation, and acceptable exposure levels for substances like radon and particulate matter.
Is indoor air quality worse than outdoor air quality?
It often is — the EPA has found indoor pollutant concentrations can run several times higher than outdoors in some homes, largely because indoor sources (cooking, cleaning products, off-gassing furniture) accumulate in an enclosed space.
