Why Indoor Air Quality Matters for Your Health (And why Cleaning Products make the difference)

The link between indoor air quality and your health

During the winter months, we spend approximately approx 90% of our time indoors, surrounding ourselves with  chemical emitting products that are producing invisible or ignored pollutants which we breathe in. Most of us probably think that outdoor air pollution is a bigger problem, but research shows us that because we spend the majority of our time indoors, indoor air quality (IAQ) plays a significant role in how we feel every single day, and the air inside your home may have a bigger impact on your health than you realise.

In the home the main emission sources are smoking and cooking. Shower gels, cleaning products, and decorating paint are other household sources, along with burning candles and wood burning stoves that might leak smoke.

According  to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Women and children, face the greatest health burden, particularly women who may take the main role of responsibly for cleaning or cooking in the home. 

What Is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?

Indoor air quality refers to the condition of the air inside buildings, particularly in relation to the health of occupants. Many ordinary health and home products contain volatile organic compounds – also known as VOCs.

It includes factors such as:

• Airborne chemicals
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Dust and allergens
• Mould spores
• Cleaning product residues
• Fragrance particles
• Ventilation levels

Put very simply indoor air quality is the air that you breathe in. 

Why Indoor Air Quality Is Important for Your Health

We spend approximately 80–90% of our time indoors — at home, at work, or in transport. That means our overall exposure to airborne substances is largely shaped by our indoor environments.

Poor indoor air quality has been associated with:

• Headaches
• Eye, nose and throat irritation
• Worsening of asthma symptoms
• Allergic reactions
• Respiratory discomfort
• Fatigue

While outdoor pollution often receives more attention, indoor air can contain concentrated levels of certain chemicals — especially in poorly ventilated spaces.

But many indoor air pollutants are related to things we do and products we use, and so by altering some of our usual activities or preferences we can start to reduce our individual contribution to poor air quality inside buildings. 

Some of the ways that you can reduce emissions and your exposure to indoor air pollution in your home are by:

• Getting fresh air inside by opening windows, but closing them when there is lots of traffic outside, can be helpful especially when cooking, cleaning, or burning candles. 
• Using an extractor that vents outdoors or opening a window when cooking, and avoiding the build-up of damp and mould by ensuring wet rooms are properly ventilated. 
• Making sure central heating and wood burners are properly installed and maintained.
• Using low-chemical cleaning and personal care products if possible. Checking labels for fragrance-free, low VOC content, and reducing the use of aerosols is a good starting point. 
• Avoiding smoking or vaping indoors

How Cleaning Products Affect Indoor Air Quality

One of the most overlooked contributors to indoor air pollution is household cleaning products.

Many conventional cleaners contain:

• Synthetic fragrances
• Harsh chemical solvents
• High levels of VOCs
• Aerosolised particles

When sprayed, these substances can linger in the air — particularly in enclosed spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. That sharp “clean” smellI is often a sign of fragrance chemicals evaporating into the air. And when we clean, we are typically standing close to the surface, breathing it in directly.

What Are VOCs in Cleaning Products?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that evaporate easily at room temperature.

They are commonly found in:

• Multi-surface sprays
• Air fresheners
• Disinfectants
• Polishes

Some VOCs can contribute to indoor air pollution, especially when used frequently without ventilation.

Reducing exposure to unnecessary VOCs is one simple way to support healthier indoor air.

Why Indoor Air Quality Is More Within Your Control

But many indoor air pollutants are related to things we do and products we use, and so by altering some of our usual activities or preferences we can start to reduce our individual contribution to poor air quality inside buildings. 

Some of the ways that people can reduce emissions and their exposure to indoor air pollution in their homes are by:

• Getting fresh air inside by opening windows, but closing them when there is lots of traffic outside, can be helpful especially when smoking, vaping, cleaning, or burning candles. 
• Using an extractor that vents outdoors or opening a window when cooking, and avoiding the build-up of damp and mould by ensuring wet rooms are properly ventilated. 
• Making sure central heating and wood stoves are properly installed and maintained.
• Using low-chemical cleaning, DIY and personal care products if possible. Checking labels for fragrance-free, low VOC content, and reducing the use of aerosols is a good starting point. 
• Avoiding smoking or vaping indoors

Because while you can’t control the air outside, you can influence what you introduce into your own space.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home

Improving indoor air quality doesn’t require extreme measures. Small, manageable swaps can make a difference:

1. Choose Low-Toxic or Plant-Based Cleaning Products

Look for products formulated without harsh synthetic chemicals or overpowering fragrances.

2. Ventilate Regularly

Open windows while cleaning to allow fresh air to circulate.

3. Avoid Aerosol Sprays

Fine particles stay suspended in the air longer.

4. Reduce Synthetic Fragrance

Candles, plug-ins and fragranced sprays can all contribute to indoor air load.

5. Opt for Reusable Cloths Over Disposable Wipes

Many wipes contain synthetic fibres and chemical preservatives.

Creating Healthier Indoor Air Through Everyday Swaps

You don’t need to replace everything overnight. Even switching your everyday multi-surface spray or body wash to a lower-tox alternative can reduce daily chemical exposure.

Small swaps matter.

Because what you breathe in every day matters.