Millenials are not the only ones taking advantage of communal living these days. One in three people between the ages of 23-65 live in a shared space. Considering that most people spend 90% of their days indoors, Indoor Air Quality is more important than ever. It’s important that we all do our part to improve Indoor Air Quality in shared spaces,  especially since the EPA ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health.

Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Shared Spaces

Global Level

Joining movements like BreatheLife can help to protect our health and planet from air pollution. The World Health Organization and United Nations Environment are leading this Climate and Clean Air initiative and their website is full of ways to get involved in this global campaign for clean air.

Local Level

Big changes start at the local level. You can also utilize social media platforms to discuss, start up, and promote Healthy Home initiatives like IAQ. The Indoor Air Quality Association has a website, as well as a Facebook page, to check out for involvement.

Improve Indoor Air Quality in These Common Shared Spaces

IAQ at Work:

• Don’t block air vents
• Follow office and building smoking policies, ensure your co-workers do the same
• Store and dispose of food properly
• Dispose of garbage promptly
• Report water leaks or any other suspected IAQ problems immediately

IAQ at School:

• Clean Air Make More is a great online resource for parents and kids to learn and understand the importance of Indoor Air Quality
• The EPA also has an online action kit for improving IAQ in schools

IAQ at Home:

• Maintain your HVAC system
• Declutter by getting rid of dirt and dust collectors
• Vacuum and steam-clean rugs and upholstery often to avoid dust mites
• Detoxify your air with indoor plants
• Don’t smoke indoors
• Invest in an air purifier