Whether at home, work, or school, we spend a significant amount of our time indoors. Surprisingly, amidst our attempts to maintain healthy eating habits and engage in regular exercise, the quality of the air we breathe often slips under our radar. Yet, paying attention to indoor air quality (IAQ) reveals its profound influence on our health and overall well-being. Let’s explore what indoor air quality is, why it matters, and how we can improve it, especially through mindful flooring choices.
- Well-being
Creating Healthy Spaces: The Importance of Indoor Air Quality
Understanding Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of the air inside buildings, focusing on the health and comfort of its occupants. By understanding and managing common pollutants indoors, we can reduce indoor health risks. Good IAQ is essential for maintaining health, preventing respiratory issues, and ensuring comfort. It also enhances productivity and cognitive function, which is particularly critical in workplaces and educational settings.
In addition to air quality, considerations such as acoustic and thermal comfort play pivotal roles in creating a healthy and harmonious indoor environment.

The Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality can lead to various health problems, ranging from minor irritations to severe illnesses. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Long-term exposure to pollutants can cause more serious conditions such as respiratory diseases, heart disease, and even cancer. Poor IAQ can also aggravate allergies and asthma, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
The Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Several factors can contribute to poor indoor air quality, including:
- Chemical pollutants: Emissions from building materials, furnishings, and cleaning products can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals.
- Biological contaminants: Mold, mildew, bacteria, and dust mites thrive in damp, poorly ventilated spaces.
- Particulate matter: Dust, pollen, and other fine particles can infiltrate indoor spaces from the outside.
- Inadequate ventilation: Poor airflow can lead to a buildup of indoor pollutants and high humidity levels.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Improving indoor air quality involves a multifaceted approach:
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation to allow fresh air to circulate and dilute indoor pollutants.
- Humidity control: Maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-50% to inhibit mold growth and reduce dust mites.
- Air purification: Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to trap airborne particles.
- Regular cleaning: Dust and vacuum frequently to reduce dust and allergens.
- Low-emitting materials: Choose materials and products that emit fewer pollutants.
- Keep plants: Plants help to purify the air by absorbing contaminants and releasing oxygen.

The Impact of Flooring on Indoor Air Quality
Your choice of flooring can impact the indoor air quality of your space. Flooring materials and the adhesives used for their installation can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), especially if they contain phthalates. While VOC levels have been greatly reduced in recent years, it’s still crucial to choose low-VOC flooring products and adhesives to minimize exposure.
When we talk more in-depth about carpets, most modern carpets are designed to be low-emitting, but they can still release some VOCs, particularly during and shortly after installation. Ensuring good ventilation during installation can help dissipate any residual VOCs. Additionally, carpets can improve indoor air quality by trapping dust, pollen, and other small particles in their fibers, preventing these from remaining airborne. Regular vacuuming and periodic deep cleaning are essential to prevent the buildup of dust and dirt, ensuring that carpets remain effective at maintaining good air quality.

European Legislation and Certifications
In Europe, various countries regulate VOC emissions from building materials to ensure better health and well-being. In addition to these regulations, several voluntary quality labels certify low VOC-emitting products. Here are some common labels:
Choosing low-emitting products can also aid in obtaining LEED, WELL, and BREEAM certifications, which are highly regarded standards for sustainable and healthy building practices.
Beyond Clean Air: Designing for Wellness and Comfort
Indoor air quality is an important element of a healthy living environment. By choosing low-emitting materials, ensuring proper ventilation, and following best practices for humidity control and air purification, you can create healthier, more comfortable spaces.
Continue reading to explore how leveraging the sense of smell, along with other sensory considerations, helps to enrich spaces that promote well-being on multiple levels: Sensory Design: Creating Immersive and Inclusive Experiences
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