October is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Awareness Month, a time to focus on the air we breathe every day and how it affects our health and wellbeing. The truth is, most of us spend around 90% of our time indoors, and the air inside our homes, schools, and workplaces can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Sometimes, during certain activities like cooking or cleaning, indoor pollution levels can even exceed outdoor levels by up to 100 times (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).
The Air We Breathe
Every day, we breathe about 2,000 gallons of air, enough to fill a small swimming pool (American Lung Association). The quality of that air can have a profound impact on our health, cognitive function, and quality of life. In fact, improving indoor air quality (especially by lowering VOCs and increasing ventilation) has been shown to boost cognitive performance by as much as 61% in office environments (Harvard University study led by Dr. Joseph G. Allen).
Unfortunately, indoor air pollution ranks among the top five environmental risks to public health (EPA). The American Lung Association’s State of the Air 2025 report found that 46% of Americans (over 156 million people) are living in areas with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution, the highest figure in a decade.
The Health Impact of Poor IAQ
The effects of poor indoor air quality are particularly serious for individuals with asthma and allergies:
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Over 28 million people in the U.S. have asthma, including nearly 5 million children (AAFA).
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Allergies affect more than 100 million Americans, roughly one in three adults.
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Children breathe about 50% more air per pound of body weight than adults, increasing their exposure to airborne pollutants (EPA).
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Non-Hispanic Black children are almost twice as likely to have asthma compared to White children, and Black individuals are nearly twice as likely to die from asthma (AAFA).
Asthma leads to nearly one million emergency department visits each year and accounts for millions of missed school and work days. Every day, nine Americans die from asthma, a stark reminder of how critical clean indoor air truly is.
Allergens in Our Homes
Even in clean, modern homes, allergens are everywhere. One large study found that over half of U.S. homes contain at least six detectable allergens, and nearly half have three or more allergens at elevated levels (Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology). These include dust mite allergen, pet dander, mold, and cockroach allergens, all known triggers for asthma and allergic reactions (American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology).
And though invisible, chemicals from common household products (such as phthalates and flame retardants) are present in 90% or more of indoor dust samples (Environmental Science & Technology). These compounds accumulate in our living spaces over time, especially when ventilation is limited.
The EPA’s Three Core Strategies for Cleaner Indoor Air
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identifies three primary approaches to improving indoor air quality:
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Source Control: Reduce emissions from materials and products by selecting low-emission options such as Certified insulation, paint, flooring, and cleaning products.
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Improved Ventilation: Bring in outdoor air to dilute and remove indoor pollutants.
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Air Cleaners and Filtration: Use scientifically tested air purifiers to capture airborne allergens and particles like dust and pollen.
How Certification Supports Healthier Indoor Environments
That’s where the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program comes in. Developed by Allergy Standards in partnership with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), the program independently tests consumer products in accredited laboratories to rigorous scientific standards. Certified products are proven to contribute to better indoor environments by limiting exposure to allergens and chemicals of concern.
Whether it’s insulation, flooring, paint, cleaning products, or air cleaners, every Certified product has met stringent criteria for emissions, allergen capture, and performance. This ensures manufacturers can demonstrate real, measurable benefits, and consumers can make more informed choices for the spaces where they live, learn, and work.
A Call to Action for IAQ Awareness Month
During National Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month, we’re spotlighting the brands and manufacturers leading the way with Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly® products. These companies are driving meaningful change by designing products that align with public health goals and contribute to healthier indoor spaces.