Indoor air quality might not be the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning, but it’s definitely something that you should pay attention to.

“Air quality inside the home is a valid concern, especially considering that we often spend a significant amount of time indoors,” says Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQ Doctor. “Common indoor pollutants include dust, mould, pet dander and VOCs emitted from household products.”

Outdoor pollutants, like car fumes, can also enter the home through open doors and windows. However, keeping your home properly ventilated (eg allowing fresh air in from outside) is one way to stop indoor air pollution building up, so you don’t want to keep everything closed indefinitely.

Instead, it’s a good idea to take a few measures to keep your indoor air quality in check. Not doing so can lead to consequences down the line, Wylie adds: “Poor air quality can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems, allergies, and even exacerbation of conditions like asthma. Long-term exposure to poor air can have more severe implications – including for your cardiovascular health.”

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