Prioritizing Your Indoor Air Quality
When the weather cools and we start spending more time indoors, it’s natural to reach for cozy comforts — blankets, candles, maybe a good cup of tea. But as we settle in, it’s worth asking: how’s the air we’re breathing?
Indoor air quality can quietly shape how we feel day to day — influencing our sleep, energy, and lung comfort. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, getting curious about what’s in your air is a great place to start.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
Most of us spend about 90% of our time indoors — working, resting, and recharging. That means the air inside our homes plays a big role in how our lungs and bodies feel. Poor air quality can lead to fatigue, coughing, or that persistent “stuffy” feeling.
Common factors that can affect indoor air include:
Moisture levels: Too little or too much humidity can make the air feel uncomfortable or irritating.
Dust and filtration: Build-up in vents, ducts, or dirty filters that can circulate particles through your space.
Smoke and fumes: Tobacco, wood smoke, and even cooking gases (like from gas stoves) can affect the air you breathe.
Pets: Dander and fur can add to airborne particles, especially in small or poorly ventilated spaces.
Fragrances and cleaning products: Some sprays, candles, and cleaners release particles or gases that linger in the air.
Radon: A naturally occurring gas that can build up in basements or lower levels of homes.
Each home is different — so noticing what might apply to yours is the best first step.
5 Clues That Might Signal Poor Indoor Air
If you’re wondering whether your air could use attention, here are a few things to look for or pay attention to:
Persistent odours – Scents that linger long after cooking or cleaning may point to limited ventilation.
Visible dust or residue – Frequent dust build-up or a fine film on surfaces might suggest particles circulating in your home.
Condensation or damp spots – Moisture on windows or walls can hint at humidity imbalances or ventilation issues.
Unusual symptoms at home – If you notice coughing, congestion, or headaches that ease when you’re outside, your indoor air might be contributing.
Basement clues – Cracks, musty smells, or a cool draft from below could signal areas where radon or moisture might enter.
Getting Curious About Your Space
You don’t have to diagnose everything on your own — sometimes, the best step is simply observing patterns. You might ask yourself:
Does my home feel stuffy or dry at certain times of year?
Do certain activities (like cooking or cleaning) make my breathing feel different?
Are there areas in my home where moisture, smoke, or odours tend to build up?
Understanding these patterns can help you decide what support you might need next — whether that’s testing, ventilation checks, or professional advice.
Breathing Better, One Step at a Time
You don’t need to overhaul your home to start paying attention to your air. Awareness is powerful — every observation helps you understand your environment and what might make breathing more comfortable.
At Poplar, we believe that better breathing starts with awareness. Our Certified Respiratory Educators can help you explore what might be affecting your air — and your lungs — in a way that’s safe, personalized, and practical.
Book a free 15-minute Welcome Session to learn more about how to make your home a place where you (and your lungs) can truly rest easy.
📞 Call 236-361-3480 to book your free session today.
Resources
Cincinelli A, Martellini T. Indoor Air Quality and Health. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2017 Oct 25;14(11):1286. doi: 10.3390/ijerph14111286. PMID: 29068361; PMCID: PMC5707925. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5707925/