The Air Kids Breathe: A Critical Factor in Their Healthy Development

As parents, we dedicate ourselves to nurturing our children's growth and development. We prioritize nutritious meals, quality education, regular health check-ups, and safe environments for play. We carefully choose whole foods, encourage physical activity, and ensure they get adequate rest. But there’s a crucial element we might inadvertently overlook: the air they breathe indoors. Children spend a significant portion of their time indoors – estimates range from 80-90% (Poljansek et al., 2017) making indoor air an important part of their lives. It's easy to assume the air inside our homes is safe, but studies have shown that indoor air can be significantly more polluted than outdoor air (U.S. EPA). These pollutants can pose health risks that accumulate over time, impacting our children's well-being.

For children, indoor air is especially important due to their developing respiratory systems and higher breathing rates. Research indicates that exposure to indoor air pollutants can have a range of adverse health effects. For instance, approximately 1 in 13 children in the U.S. have asthma, a significant portion of which is linked to indoor environmental triggers (CDC, 2023). These triggers can include dust mites, mold, pet dander, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from household products. Short-term effects might manifest as wheezing after exposure to cleaning products or a persistent cough in a dusty room. Long-term exposure to particulate matter, such as that from cooking or unfiltered ventilation systems, can increase the risk of respiratory illnesses and negatively affect lung development (WHO, 2021). Beyond respiratory health, studies have also linked poor indoor air to reduced cognitive function, difficulty concentrating, and increased fatigue in children, potentially impacting their academic performance (Tischer et al., 2021).

Raising kids is expensive; diapers, shoes, and school supplies add up fast. So, what’s the move? Consider a do-it-yourself indoor air assessment to pinpoint what’s in your home’s air. It’s a practical first step that can spotlight no- and low-cost fixes and make you more informed when smart purchases are needed.  We already juggle priorities for our kids. Let’s add clean air to the list, without breaking the bank. Reach out for an assessment today. It’s a small move with big payback. Click below to learn more.