The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, and it warns that indoor air can be significantly more polluted than outdoor air. Because many common household materials release pollutants, improving indoor air quality is an essential part of maintaining a healthy home.
Indoor pollutants include dust mites, mold spores, and chemical vapors known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that off-gas from furnishings, flooring, paints, and cleaning products. Although these contaminants are often invisible, their effects on health and comfort are real. Sally Morse, Director of Creative Services at Hunter Douglas, offers practical guidance on decorating and maintaining a home with family health in mind.
1. From the Ground Up
Flooring choices matter because certain materials can release VOCs. Vinyl flooring and some wall-to-wall carpets may emit VOCs due to adhesives, backings, or sealants. To reduce chemical off-gassing, choose flooring with low emissions such as sustainably sourced hardwood (look for Forest Stewardship Council certification), reclaimed wood, bamboo, cork, linoleum, concrete, stone, or tile. These options typically have fewer synthetic chemicals and can be easier to keep clean without harsh products.
If replacing flooring isn’t feasible, switch to non-toxic cleaning products and follow manufacturer directions. Look for labels that clearly state non-toxic formulations. Unlike many standard cleaners that rely on synthetic fragrances, safer cleaners often use natural herbal scents or mild plant-based fragrances.
2. Quality at the Window
Window treatments also contribute to indoor air quality. Choose products certified for low chemical emissions, such as items that carry GREENGUARD GOLD certification. This certification, issued after rigorous testing by UL Environment, indicates reduced emissions of VOCs and other chemicals during normal use, helping keep indoor air cleaner.
3. The Walls Around You
Paints and finishes can emit low levels of toxic compounds for years after application. VOCs once played a role in paint performance, but growing consumer demand and updated regulations have led manufacturers to develop low-VOC and zero-VOC paints. Many brands now offer non-VOC options, and natural paints—made from ingredients like water, plant oils and resins, mineral pigments, milk casein, and natural latex—can be viable alternatives. Choosing low- or zero-VOC paints reduces long-term off-gassing and improves indoor air quality.
4. The Rooms that Count
Bedrooms deserve special attention since people spend roughly a third of their lives asleep. Furniture, textiles, carpeting, and conventional mattresses can emit VOCs and formaldehyde used in some manufacturing processes. When shopping for bedroom furnishings, prioritize low-VOC, low-formaldehyde, or certified organic products when possible. Consider mattresses made from eco-foam or other non-toxic materials and choose bedding made from organic, pesticide-free cotton, bamboo, silk, or wool. Use hypoallergenic covers for pillows and mattresses, and launder or replace pillows regularly to limit dust mites and allergens.
Bathrooms can also contribute to indoor chemical exposure. Vinyl shower curtains often have a strong chemical odor when new due to off-gassing. A simple and inexpensive swap—using a nylon shower curtain liner with a cotton exterior curtain—can reduce chemical smells and improve the overall bathroom environment.
5. Let the Air In
Ventilation is one of the most effective ways to reduce indoor pollutant concentrations. The EPA recommends ensuring adequate fresh air during activities that release VOCs, such as painting or remodeling, by opening windows and using fans to exhaust polluted air. Regular maintenance of heating and cooling systems is also important: HVAC filters trap dust and airborne particles, so follow manufacturer guidance to change or clean filters on schedule to maintain healthy airflow.
6. A Pocket Full of Daisies
Houseplants can play a helpful role in improving indoor air quality. Research, including early studies by NASA and later work by horticultural organizations, indicates that certain plants can remove trace pollutants and increase humidity control. Popular indoor air-friendly options include aloe vera, spider plants, Gerbera daisies, snake plants (mother-in-law’s tongue), English ivy, azaleas, and chrysanthemums. While plants aren’t a complete solution on their own, they can complement other strategies for a healthier home.
By paying attention to flooring, window treatments, paints, furnishings, ventilation, and the addition of houseplants, you can make meaningful improvements to your home’s indoor air quality. Simple choices—selecting low- or zero-VOC products, improving ventilation, and choosing natural materials—help create a more comfortable, healthier living space for your family.