> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.sonohealth.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Indoor Air Quality Guide

> Common indoor air pollutants, health effects, and why air purification matters. EPA data shows indoor air is 2-5x more polluted than outdoor air.

Indoor air quality directly affects your health. According to the EPA, indoor air can be **2 to 5 times more polluted** than outdoor air -- and in some cases up to 100 times worse. Since most people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, understanding and improving indoor air quality is essential.

## Common Indoor Air Pollutants

### Particulate Matter

| Pollutant       | Source                                     | Size           | Health Effect                              |
| --------------- | ------------------------------------------ | -------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| Dust            | Skin cells, fabric fibers, soil tracked in | 1-100 microns  | Respiratory irritation, allergies          |
| Pollen          | Enters through windows, doors, clothing    | 10-100 microns | Allergic rhinitis, asthma attacks          |
| Pet dander      | Cats, dogs, and other animals              | 0.5-10 microns | Allergies, asthma triggers                 |
| Dust mite waste | Bedding, upholstery, carpets               | 1-10 microns   | Allergies, asthma, eczema flares           |
| Mold spores     | Damp areas, bathrooms, basements           | 2-20 microns   | Respiratory infections, allergic reactions |

### Gases and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are chemicals that evaporate at room temperature and enter the air you breathe:

* **Formaldehyde** -- Released by pressed wood furniture, flooring, and building materials. A known carcinogen.
* **Benzene** -- Found in paints, adhesives, and tobacco smoke.
* **Toluene** -- Present in paint thinners, nail polish, and adhesives.
* **Cleaning product fumes** -- Many household cleaners release irritating or harmful gases.
* **Off-gassing** -- New furniture, carpets, mattresses, and electronics release VOCs for weeks or months after purchase.

### Biological Contaminants

* **Bacteria** -- Spread through coughing, sneezing, and surface contact
* **Viruses** -- Airborne transmission is a primary route for respiratory infections
* **Mold** -- Black mold (Stachybotrys) and other species release spores and mycotoxins
* **Smoke particles** -- Wildfire smoke, cooking smoke, and tobacco smoke contain fine particulate matter and hundreds of chemical compounds

## Who Is Most Affected?

Certain groups are more vulnerable to poor indoor air quality:

* **Allergy and asthma sufferers** -- Airborne allergens trigger symptoms that can range from mild congestion to severe asthma attacks
* **Children** -- Breathe more air relative to body weight and have developing respiratory systems
* **Older adults** -- May have reduced lung function and weakened immune response
* **Immunocompromised individuals** -- Greater susceptibility to airborne infections
* **Pet owners** -- Continuous exposure to dander, fur, and associated allergens

## Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor pollutants come from everyday activities and materials:

| Source                   | Pollutants Released                         |
| ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------- |
| Cooking                  | PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide    |
| Cleaning products        | VOCs, ammonia, chlorine fumes               |
| Furniture and flooring   | Formaldehyde, VOCs (off-gassing)            |
| Pets                     | Dander, fur, tracked-in pollen              |
| Fireplaces and candles   | Soot, particulate matter, carbon monoxide   |
| Outdoor air infiltration | Pollen, wildfire smoke, vehicle exhaust     |
| HVAC systems             | Mold, dust, bacteria (if poorly maintained) |
| Personal care products   | VOCs, fragrances                            |

## Why Air Purification Matters

Improving ventilation helps, but it is not always practical. Opening windows brings in outdoor pollutants, pollen, and wildfire smoke. HVAC filters typically capture only large particles and are not designed for fine particulate or gas removal.

A dedicated air purifier with HEPA 14 filtration and activated carbon addresses the full range of indoor pollutants:

* **HEPA 14** removes 99.9% of fine particles down to 0.1 microns, including dust, pollen, mold, pet dander, bacteria, and smoke
* **Activated carbon** adsorbs VOCs, odors, and chemical fumes
* **UV-C sterilization** neutralizes bacteria and viruses that pass through the physical filters

The AirPro combines all three technologies in a single unit that covers up to 1,200 sq ft, making it practical for bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and home offices.

## Simple Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality

1. **Use an air purifier** with medical-grade HEPA 14 filtration in rooms where you spend the most time
2. **Control humidity** between 30-50% to discourage mold and dust mites
3. **Ventilate** when outdoor air quality is good
4. **Choose low-VOC products** for paints, cleaners, and furnishings
5. **Clean regularly** to reduce dust, pet dander, and allergen buildup
6. **Maintain HVAC systems** and replace filters on schedule
7. **Address moisture** problems promptly to prevent mold growth

***

**Related:** [Product Overview](/air-purifier/overview) · [How It Works](/air-purifier/how-it-works) · [Room Coverage Guide](/air-purifier/room-coverage)