How to Protect Indoor Air During High Pollution Days

On days when pollution levels spike, many people assume staying indoors is enough to stay safe. Windows are shut, curtains drawn, and outdoor plans cancelled. Yet, despite all this, headaches, irritation in the eyes, fatigue, and breathing discomfort often continue. The truth is, indoor air isn’t automatically clean just because you’re inside—especially during high pollution days.

The good news? With a few practical steps and better awareness, you can significantly protect the air you breathe indoors and reduce the health impact of pollution.

Understand How Outdoor Pollution Enters Indoors

Even when doors and windows are closed, polluted air finds its way inside through gaps, ventilation ducts, exhaust fans, and frequently opened entry points. Fine particles like PM2.5 are extremely small and easily penetrate indoor spaces. Once inside, these particles linger, especially in rooms with poor ventilation.

High pollution days are not just an outdoor problem—they quietly turn into an indoor one as well.

Seal the Gaps Without Blocking Freshness Completely

While it’s important to limit the entry of polluted air, sealing your home completely can cause other issues like stale air and moisture buildup. Instead of blocking airflow entirely:

• Keep doors and windows shut when pollution levels are highest.
• Use door stoppers or weather strips to reduce unwanted air leaks
• Allow short, controlled ventilation during cleaner air periods (usually early afternoon.

This balance helps prevent heavy pollution from entering while keeping indoor air from becoming suffocating.

Reduce Indoor Pollution Sources

Many indoor habits unknowingly worsen air quality, especially on high pollution days. Activities like burning incense, using mosquito coils, smoking indoors, or cooking without exhaust ventilation add more pollutants to already stressed air.

Simple changes can help:

• Avoid burning candles or incense during polluted days

   

• Always use kitchen exhaust fans while cooking

   

• Limit the use of strong chemical cleaners

   

• Keep smoking strictly outdoors

   

Reducing indoor pollution sources prevents compounding the problem.

Maintain Clean and Dust-Free Surfaces

Dust particles act like magnets for harmful pollutants. During high pollution days, dust settles faster and holds onto toxic particles. Regular cleaning helps reduce this load.

• Wet mop floors instead of dry sweeping

   

• Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth

   

• Make it a habit to wash curtains, cushion covers, and bed linen often, as they quietly trap dust and pollutants.

   

This prevents polluted dust from circulating every time you move around the house.

Control Humidity Levels

Excess humidity can trap pollutants indoors, while very dry air can irritate the throat and lungs. Maintaining balanced humidity helps improve indoor comfort and air quality.

• Avoid drying clothes indoors on polluted days

   

• Fix any water leaks to prevent dampness

   

• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens

   

Balanced indoor conditions make it easier for air to stay breathable.

Be Mindful of Time Spent in Different Rooms

Not all rooms have the same air quality. Kitchens, near entrances, or rooms facing busy roads often have higher pollution levels. On high pollution days, try to:

• Spend more time in inner rooms

• Keep bedrooms cleaner and less cluttered

   

• Avoid sitting near balconies or windows facing traffic

   

Creating a “clean air zone” inside your home can make a noticeable difference.

Track Air Quality and Adjust Your Routine

Staying informed helps you stay protected. Checking AQI levels allows you to plan daily activities better. On days when pollution is severe:

• Avoid indoor workouts that increase breathing rate

   

• Keep children and elderly away from polluted zones

   

• Focus on rest, hydration, and breathing comfort

   

Small routine adjustments can reduce long-term health impact.

High pollution days don’t have to mean breathing unhealthy air indoors. With mindful habits, better cleaning routines, and controlled ventilation, you can significantly improve the air quality inside your home or office. Still, managing indoor air manually has its limits—especially during prolonged pollution episodes.

This is where Airofy’s portable air purifiers help you take control of the air you breathe. Designed for Indian pollution conditions, Airofy’s compact and portable purifiers help filter harmful particles effectively, creating cleaner air wherever you place them—be it your bedroom, workspace, or living area. Their portability makes it easy to protect your breathing space on high pollution days, no matter where you spend your time. Clean air shouldn’t be seasonal, and with the right support, it doesn’t have to be.