The air inside your home may be worse than outside. What every parent should know
Nearly half of all children in the United States — 46% of people under 18 — live in areas with unhealthy air quality, according to the American Lung Association’s 2026 “State of the Air” report.
But outdoor pollution is only part of the problem. The EPA says indoor air pollutants can sometimes reach levels as high — or even higher — than outdoor air.
MORE INFO: How to choose the best HEPA air purifier for your home — and why it’s so important
Since children spend about 80% to 90% of their time indoors, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), improving the air inside the home can make a major difference.
The good news: Parents can reduce indoor air pollution and create healthier spaces with a few practical changes.
Why kids are at greater risk from indoor air pollutants
Children are especially vulnerable to unhealthy air quality because their lungs, brains and immune systems are still developing. Kids also breathe more air relative to their body size, meaning they take in more pollutants than adults do.
“Polluted air can block small airways, interfere with lung growth, and disrupt normal brain development. Over time, these injuries can limit a child’s ability to learn, play and thrive,” the American Lung Association warns.
Children with asthma face even greater risks. Nearly 2.4 million children with asthma live in counties that received an “F” grade for at least one major pollutant, according to the ALA.
How to improve indoor air quality at home
The biggest indoor air quality solutions often come down to reducing smoke, improving ventilation, limiting dust and controlling moisture. These small changes can help reduce what children breathe every day.
How to reduce indoor air pollution from smoke
- Don’t smoke or vape inside the house, garage, yard or car.
- Remember that third-hand smoke on clothing and furniture can still affect kids.
- Use electric stoves and heaters when possible instead of gas or wood-burning options.
- According to the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSU), “switching from indoor appliances that run on electricity, instead of using gas, may reduce indoor air pollution up to 50%.”
- Have gas appliances, fireplaces and wood stoves inspected every year.
- Never use a gas stove, grill or generator to heat your home.
- Families looking to quit smoking can find resources through Smokefree.gov.
Indoor air quality solutions for ventilation and filtration
- Use HVAC filters rated MERV 13 or higher.
- Change air filters every 1–3 months.
- Run a portable HEPA air purifier in bedrooms and playrooms.
- Open windows for at least 10 minutes daily when outdoor air quality is good.
- Check the Air Quality Index through AirNow before opening windows.
- Keep windows closed on poor air quality or high-pollen days.
- Run the kitchen range hood while cooking.
- Use back burners so ventilation systems capture more smoke and particles.
- Run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans for 10–15 minutes after showering or cooking.
How to improve indoor air quality by reducing dust and chemicals
- Vacuum regularly with a HEPA-filter vacuum.
- Use a damp microfiber cloth and damp mop after vacuuming.
- Avoid dry sweeping and feather dusting because they push particles back into the air.
- Clean while children are out of the room or out of the house.
- Avoid aerosol sprays and air fresheners.
- Choose pump sprays and fragrance-free cleaning products when possible.
- Switch to fragrance-free laundry detergents and dryer products.
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water (130°F+) to reduce dust mites.
- Reduce carpet and heavy curtains in kids’ bedrooms when possible.
Indoor air quality solutions for humidity and mold control
- Keep indoor humidity between 30% and 50%, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
- Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels.
- Run a dehumidifier in damp spaces.
- Use a humidifier during dry winter months if needed.
- Fix leaks quickly before mold develops.
- Make sure bathrooms, basements and laundry areas are well ventilated.
How to reduce indoor air pollution from invisible dangers
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home.
- Test detectors regularly and replace batteries annually.
- Test for radon, especially if you live below the third floor.
- According to the EPA, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.
- Low-cost radon test kits are available through the American Lung Association or by calling 1-800-SOS-RADON.
- Test older homes for lead if they were built before 1978.
- Ask your child’s doctor about blood lead testing if needed.
- Keep attached garage doors tightly closed.
- Never leave a car running inside the garage.
Small changes can make a healthier home
Improving indoor air quality does not have to happen overnight. Replacing one filter, using a HEPA purifier or changing a few cleaning habits can all help reduce indoor air pollutants over time. The easiest approach is to tackle one change at a time. By the end of the year, those small indoor air quality solutions can add up to a healthier home and healthier lungs for the entire family.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
