We tend to think of air pollution as an outdoor problem (smog, traffic exhaust, wildfires, etc.). But in reality, indoor air can be just as harmful, sometimes worse for more vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. According to the U.S. EPA, some indoor pollutants are especially harmful to children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions.
What “Indoor Air Quality” Really Means
Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the mix of gases, particles, biological agents, and chemical compounds in the air of enclosed spaces: homes, schools, nursing facilities, offices, etc. Because many of us spend ~90% of our time indoors, these exposures are not trivial.
Key pollutants & sources
Some of the main contributors to poor IAQ include:
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Particulate matter: Fine particles from cooking, burning, dust, smoke.
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Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Emitted from paints, varnishes, furniture, cleaning agents, adhesives, building materials U.S. Consumer.
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Mold, mildew, and microbial agents: From dampness, water leaks, & high humidity.
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Combustion gases: Carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) from stoves, fireplaces, heaters, & unvented appliances.
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Radon: A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep in from the ground.
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Secondhand & thirdhand smoke: Smoke and residual chemicals settle on indoor surfaces and linger.
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Allergens and pests: Dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, & pollen.
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Outdoor pollutants infiltrating indoors: Especially when windows or ventilation aren’t controlled.
In many cases, multiple pollutant sources add up, making the indoor environment a cocktail of exposures.
Why Children & The Elderly Are Especially Vulnerable
Children
Children differ from adults in ways that make indoor air hazards more potent:
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Rapid development. Their lungs, immune systems, and neurological systems are still forming. Exposures in early life can have lifelong consequences. (Harvard)
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Higher intake. They breathe more air per body weight compared to adults, meaning a greater dose relative to size. (American Lung Association)
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Behavioral factors. Crawling, playing on floors, hand-to-mouth activity means they’re more exposed to dust, residues, and pollutants near surfaces. (BioMed)
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Time indoors. Children often spend 80–90% of their time inside (homes, schools, daycare) where pollutant concentrations can accumulate.
The elderly
Aging bodies face their own challenges:
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Declining physiological resilience. Older adults often have reduced lung function, weaker immune systems, or pre-existing chronic conditions (COPD, heart disease) that make them less able to cope with environmental stressors. (MDPI)
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More indoor time. Many seniors spend the majority of their day indoors — between 19 to 20 hours daily in some studies. (MDPI)
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Accumulated exposure. Over a lifetime, cumulative exposure to pollutants can exacerbate disease processes or reduce reserve capacity.
Health Effects Seen in Children & the Elderly
Effects on children
Poor indoor air quality in childhood has been linked to:
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Respiratory illnesses: Increased incidence and severity of asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, wheezing, chronic cough.
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Allergic symptoms: Eczema, rhinitis, hay fever, eye/nose irritation
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Reduced lung growth and function: Chronic exposures can stunt lung development and lead to lower lung capacity over time. (Science Direct)
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Neurodevelopmental impacts: Emerging evidence suggests links to cognitive delays, behavioral problems, and impacts on attention and learning. (Science Direct)
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Increased absenteeism & lower productivity. Poor air indoors can reduce concentration, impair cognitive performance, and increase illness-related absence from school. (American Lung Association)
One recent consensus article notes that indoor pollution exposure is a “global health issue,” especially for children who spend long hours indoors.
Effects on the elderly
For older adults, poor indoor air quality can lead to:
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Exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases. Conditions like COPD, asthma, chronic bronchitis often worsen with exposure to particulate matter, ozone, or other pollutants. (iClinq)
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Cardiovascular impacts. Fine particles (PM2.5) and other pollutants are associated with increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, arrhythmias, and hypertension. (iClinq)
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Infections & lowered immunity. Indoor pollutants (mold, microbes, chemical irritants) can heighten susceptibility to respiratory infections and complications.
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Cognitive decline. Some studies link long-term pollutant exposure to dementia, cognitive aging, and neurovascular damage in older adults.
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Increased hospitalizations & mortality. Spikes in indoor pollution correlate with more emergency room visits, hospital admissions, and in worst cases, premature death. (iCliniq)
Because older adults may already carry a burden of chronic disease and reduced functional reserve, even moderate pollutant exposures can tip the scales toward illness.
Conclusion
Maintaining healthy indoor air quality is essential for safeguarding the well-being of both children and the elderly. At ECI Comfort Solutions, we prioritize comprehensive air quality assessments and offer tailored system upgrades to help minimize exposure to indoor pollutants. For those seeking expert guidance or advanced air quality solutions, reach out to our team to improve your indoor air quality today!
If you live in the Delaware Valley/Greater Philadelphia area and would like to find comfort within your home, visit our website or give us a call at 215 - 245 - 3200.
