Air Quality & Environmental Wellness

What It Is

Air quality refers to the cleanliness and composition of the air we breathe. Indoor air quality is influenced by factors like ventilation, humidity, pollutants (such as dust, mold, volatile organic compounds), allergens, and particulate matter from cooking, cleaning, or outdoor sources.

Most people spend the majority of their time indoors, where air quality can be two to five times worse than outdoor air, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Why It Matters

Poor air quality is associated with respiratory discomfort, allergies, headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Long-term exposure to indoor pollutants may contribute to more serious health challenges, particularly for those with asthma, allergies, or sensitivities.

Understanding air quality helps people create healthier indoor environments through ventilation, filtration, and source control.

How It Works (High-Level)

Indoor air quality is affected by both what enters the space (outdoor pollution, pollen) and what is generated inside (cooking fumes, cleaning products, off-gassing from furniture). Ventilation helps dilute indoor pollutants, while air purifiers with HEPA or activated carbon filters can capture particles and gases.

Humidity also plays a role. Too much humidity can promote mold growth, while too little can dry out respiratory passages and make airborne particles more irritating. Maintaining balanced humidity (typically 30 to 50 percent) supports respiratory comfort.

How People Commonly Use It

People improve indoor air quality by using air purifiers, opening windows for ventilation, controlling humidity with dehumidifiers or humidifiers, and reducing sources of pollution (such as switching to low-VOC cleaning products or improving kitchen ventilation).

Air purifiers with HEPA filters are commonly used in bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices to reduce allergens, dust, and particulate matter. Some also use plants, though their air-purifying effects are limited compared to mechanical filtration.

Safety & Quality Considerations

When choosing air purifiers, look for devices with true HEPA filters, which capture 99.97 percent of particles 0.3 microns or larger. Activated carbon filters are useful for reducing odors and volatile organic compounds.

Avoid air purifiers that produce ozone, as ozone can irritate the respiratory system. Look for certifications from organizations like the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) or the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Why Halo Curates This Category

Halo curates air quality products because we recognize the foundational role that clean air plays in daily wellness. Breathing clean air supports respiratory health, sleep quality, focus, and overall comfort.

We prioritize air purifiers and environmental wellness tools that are effective, safe, and transparent about their filtration capabilities and performance standards.

Explore Further

View Air Quality Products

This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical advice.