What is Indoor Air-Quality (IAQ)?
Indoor air-quality, often referred to as IAQ, describes the condition of the air in enclosed spaces such as homes, schools, and offices. It encompasses the presence of pollutants, allergens, moisture, and chemical compounds that can impact our respiratory and overall health. Unlike outdoor air pollution, poor indoor air-quality can accumulate over time, often going unnoticed, and continuously expose individuals to harmful substances. Children and seniors are particularly at risk because their respiratory systems are either still developing or have weakened with age. Maintaining clean indoor air is therefore essential for ensuring proper lung function, preventing illness, and supporting overall well-being in these vulnerable groups.
Major Causes of Poor Indoor Air-Quality
Several factors contribute to compromised indoor air. Household dust, dirt, and particulate matter generated during everyday activities such as cleaning, moving furniture, or even opening windows can irritate airways and reduce lung efficiency over time. Mold, dampness, and high humidity create an environment conducive to fungal growth, which can trigger severe allergic reactions and chronic respiratory problems. Chemical fumes released from cleaning products, paints, air fresheners, and furniture containing volatile organic compounds can further irritate the lungs and worsen conditions such as asthma. Smoke from cooking, incense, candles, or tobacco use indoors introduces fine particulate matter and toxic gases that penetrate deep into the lungs, making breathing difficult. The combination of these factors creates a hazardous environment, particularly for children and seniors who are more sensitive to pollutants.
How Poor Indoor Air-Quality Affects Health
Exposure to polluted indoor air can have immediate and long-term health consequences. In the short term, individuals may experience irritation in the throat and lungs, coughing, shortness of breath, or worsening of pre-existing conditions such as asthma. Continuous exposure can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections, while also aggravating chronic respiratory diseases. Long-term exposure carries additional risks, including increased strain on the heart, reduced oxygen levels in the blood, and even cognitive impairments. Research has shown that polluted indoor air can contribute to chronic inflammation, affect cardiovascular health, and impair brain function, highlighting the importance of maintaining clean air in enclosed spaces.
Indoor Air-Quality Risks for Children
Children are uniquely vulnerable to poor indoor air-quality because their lungs are still developing, and they breathe more air relative to their body weight than adults. This increased exposure can result in inflammation of the airways, reduced lung function, and a higher risk of developing asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions. Allergens, particulate matter, and mold can trigger repeated coughing, wheezing, or allergic reactions, which, if persistent, may have long-term consequences on their respiratory health. Beyond physical symptoms, poor air-quality can disrupt sleep and reduce concentration, leading to fatigue and affecting school performance. The combination of health impacts and impaired daily functioning makes it critical to monitor and improve indoor air-quality for children.
Indoor Air-Quality Risks for Seniors
Seniors are similarly at risk due to age-related decline in lung capacity and efficiency. Polluted indoor air can worsen chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD, bronchitis, or asthma, and reduce oxygen saturation levels, causing fatigue and breathlessness. Exposure to particulate matter and chemical pollutants also places additional strain on the heart, increasing the likelihood of arrhythmias, high blood pressure, and even heart attacks. For seniors with existing cardiovascular conditions, poor indoor air-quality can accelerate disease progression and increase hospitalization risks. Maintaining a healthy indoor environment and using protective measures such as masks becomes essential to preserving both lung and heart health in older adults.
Masks for Children: Usage Guidelines
Children should wear masks during periods of high indoor or outdoor pollution, particularly when particulate matter levels exceed safe limits or when rooms are poorly ventilated. N95 or N99 masks specifically designed for children are recommended as they provide effective filtration while maintaining comfort. A proper fit is critical to ensure that air does not leak through gaps, and the mask must allow adequate breathing so the child can wear it for extended periods if necessary. Mask use is especially important during activities such as cooking indoors, when incense is burning, or on days when outdoor air quality is compromised by smog or pollution. By wearing appropriately fitted masks, children can significantly reduce exposure to harmful pollutants and protect their developing lungs.
Masks for Seniors: Usage Guidelines
Seniors benefit from wearing masks that provide high filtration efficiency, such as N95 or N99 respirators, to protect their lungs and heart from fine particulate matter. Masks with exhalation valves can offer increased comfort for breathing, but ensuring a tight fit remains essential to prevent unfiltered air from entering. Frequent replacement of disposable masks and proper cleaning of reusable ones are important to maintain hygiene and effectiveness. Seniors should wear masks indoors during high pollution episodes or when exposed to dust, smoke, or chemical fumes. Correct mask use helps prevent exacerbation of respiratory conditions, reduces cardiovascular strain, and supports safer daily functioning.
Choosing the Right Mask for Poor Air-Quality
Not all masks offer the same level of protection. N95 and N99 masks are designed to filter out 95–99% of fine particulate matter, making them the most effective choice during high pollution. Surgical masks primarily protect against larger droplets and are insufficient for fine dust or PM2.5. Cloth masks, while common, do not effectively filter microscopic pollutants and should not be relied upon during pollution peaks. Families should upgrade to high-filtration masks during severe pollution events, ensuring both children and seniors have masks that fit properly, are comfortable, and are replaced regularly to maintain protection.
How to Improve Indoor Air-Quality at Home
Improving indoor air-quality requires a combination of prevention and active measures. Using HEPA air purifiers in bedrooms and living areas can significantly reduce airborne particulate matter. Proper ventilation while cooking, regular cleaning to remove dust, and controlling humidity levels to prevent mold growth are essential. Limiting the use of chemical-heavy cleaning products, reducing indoor smoking, and avoiding burning incense or candles also help maintain cleaner air. Closing windows during days with high outdoor pollution and ensuring adequate airflow during low pollution periods supports a safer environment for children and seniors alike.
When to Seek Medical Help for Poor Air Quality
It is important to consult a doctor if children or seniors experience persistent symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, fatigue, or worsening of existing respiratory conditions. Medical evaluation may include lung function tests, oxygen saturation measurement, chest X-rays, or allergy testing to assess the impact of indoor air pollutants. Early diagnosis allows timely intervention, preventing long-term complications and ensuring proper management of air-quality-related health issues.
How Artemis Hospital Helps Manage Air Quality-Related Health Issues
Artemis Hospital offers comprehensive care for pollution-related health concerns. Pediatric respiratory and allergy clinics provide specialized treatment for asthma, recurrent respiratory infections, and allergic reactions in children. Pulmonology experts manage chronic lung conditions in seniors, conducting lung function tests, sleep studies, and ongoing monitoring to ensure optimal outcomes. Emergency care teams are prepared to handle acute breathing distress, while consultations provide personalized management plans combining preventive guidance, mask recommendations, and treatment strategies. These services ensure that vulnerable children and seniors receive the care and support needed to mitigate the health impacts of poor indoor air-quality.
Article By Dr. Arun Kotaru
Unit Head & Sr. Consultant - Respiratory Disease & Sleep Medicine (Unit I)
Artemis Hospitals
FAQs
How much does a mask help with air quality?
Proper N95 or N99 masks can filter up to 95–99% of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), significantly reducing exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution.
Is it healthy to wear a mask all day?
Wearing a well-fitted mask for extended periods is generally safe, but take breaks when indoors in clean, well-ventilated spaces to prevent discomfort.
Do masks impede children's development?
No. Properly fitted masks do not affect lung development or cognitive growth, though comfort and correct usage are important.
What are the effects of long-term mask wearing?
Extended use may cause minor skin irritation or discomfort, but masks do not harm lungs or overall health when used correctly.
Should I wear a mask when playing sports or exercising outdoors?
During high pollution, mask use is recommended, but choose breathable masks and avoid intense exertion if the air quality is poor.
Do cooking fumes affect indoor air-quality?
Yes. Smoke and fumes from gas stoves, frying, or grilling release particulate matter and VOCs, reducing IAQ.
What are the early symptoms of poor indoor air exposure?
Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, eye or throat irritation, fatigue, and headaches are early warning signs.
Which type of air purifier is recommended for PM2.5 pollution?
HEPA-filter purifiers are most effective for removing fine particulate matter like PM2.5 from indoor air.
Are cloth masks effective against pollution particles like PM2.5?
No. Cloth masks primarily block large droplets and are largely ineffective against fine pollutants.
Which indoor plants improve air-quality naturally?
Plants like spider plants, snake plants, areca palms, and peace lilies can help absorb pollutants and improve oxygen levels indoors.
Do scented candles, incense sticks, and room fresheners worsen IAQ?
Yes. They release particulate matter and VOCs, which can irritate the lungs and reduce air quality.
When should a parent consult a doctor for pollution-related symptoms in kids?
If children experience persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or worsening allergies, consult a doctor promptly.
Which specialist treats pollution-triggered respiratory problems near me in Gurgaon?
A pediatric pulmonologist for children and a pulmonologist for adults manage pollution-related respiratory issues.
Where can I find a pediatric pulmonologist near me for pollution-related symptoms?
Leading hospitals and specialty clinics in Gurgaon, such as Artemis Hospital, provide pediatric pulmonology services.
Which hospital near me offers allergy and pollution related treatment?
Artemis Hospital in Gurgaon offers comprehensive care for allergy and pollution-related conditions.
Where can I get lung function testing near me in Gurgaon?
Lung function tests are available at pulmonology clinics and multi-specialty hospitals, including Artemis Hospital, with advanced diagnostics.
