It’s no secret that the air we breathe has a profound impact on heart and lung health. But air quality can also affect mental health in significant and lasting ways. Studies collated by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health show that breathing unhealthy air increases the risk of anxiety, depression, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and even autism.
It is easy to assume that air pollution is a problem beyond our control, a result of industrial practices that date back decades. However, sometimes the greater risks are closer to home. Since the unprecedented events of 2020 and 2021, our homes have increasingly doubled as places of work and learning. The average American spends 90 percent of his or her time indoors, so the importance of ensuring the quality of indoor air cannot be overstated.
Breathing indoor air – the worst of both worlds
Make no mistake, outdoor air pollution is a major concern. But most of the outdoor pollutants such as ozone, fine particulate matter and sulfur dioxide are breathed indoors. They penetrate our homes through open doors, windows, vents and cracks. There, they combine with the additional indoor pollutants from stoves, HVAC systems and cleaning compounds.
The good news is that while we might not be able to do much to change the levels of pollution in the outside air, indoor air quality is something that every one of us can manage and influence.
A well-maintained HVAC system can be your friend
Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems can be both a blessing and a curse. An aging system that has been poorly maintained becomes a breeding ground for spores and toxic mold. On the other hand, an efficient system that is regularly checked and maintained improves air circulation and helps to filter out pollutants.
Regular servicing, including cleaning and changing of filters is absolutely vital. Also be alert for signs that your HVAC system might need maintenance or repair, such as bad odors on start up, fluid leaks or noises from the fan or motor.
Ventilation is key
Our earlier point about ingress of outdoor air pollutants might tempt you to keep all the windows closed in an attempt to seal up your home. This would be a bad mistake, as it will only serve to help dirt and air pollution to accumulate, leading to a steady deterioration of indoor air quality.
Air circulation is key. As well as allowing your HVAC system to play its part, encourage fresh air by opening windows when the weather allows. If you have modern thermally-efficient windows, make use of their integrated air vents to promote circulation of fresh air.
Reducing indoor air pollution in the kitchen
Cooking and cleaning combine to make the kitchen the most high-risk room in the house from an indoor air quality perspective. But again, the risk and exposure can easily be mitigated and minimized in the following ways:
- Adopt cooking methods and techniques that reduce both cooking duration and the release of fumes, for example by using a pressure cooker, air fryer or rice cooker instead of traditional frying or broiling.
- Maximize ventilation during cooking. Ideally, install a hooded extractor fan over your cooking appliance. Alternatively, open windows and doors while cooking.
- Choose your cleaning products with care. Avoid those that use aerosol propellants, and opt for natural, eco-friendly alternatives. Again, maximize ventilation while using cleaning products.
- Avoid passive kitchen occupancy. In particular, discourage those who might be at greater risk, such as children, the elderly, pregnant women or those with existing physical or mental health conditions.
Improving the air that we breathe for better mental health
Reducing exposure to poor quality air, both indoors and outdoors, can have a positive impact on overall health. But given the correlation between serious mental illness and places with the worst air pollution, it would be both foolish and dangerous to overlook the importance of air quality for mental wellbeing.
While it falls to governments to tackle macro pollution issues, indoor air quality is an area that every one of us can positively address.
