The 2 to 5x Statistic
The EPA estimates that indoor concentrations of many pollutants are 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor concentrations, and occasionally more than 100 times higher. This applies even in cities with significant outdoor air pollution. The reason is straightforward: homes contain pollutant sources (cooking, cleaning products, building materials, furnishings, human activity) in enclosed spaces with limited air exchange. Outdoor air is continuously diluted by wind and atmospheric mixing. Indoor air is not.
What You Can Do
The EPA recommends source control (removing or reducing pollutant sources), improved ventilation (increasing outdoor air exchange), and air cleaning (filtration) as the three strategies for improving indoor air quality, in that order of priority. Source control is most effective because it eliminates the problem rather than managing it. An air quality assessment identifies which sources are most active in your home and prioritizes interventions.
Find Out What Is in Your Home's Air
The assessment identifies sources, evaluates ventilation, and recommends changes. 16 minutes. Free. Immediate results.
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