Climate change can affect conditions indoors by worsening existing indoor air quality issues and introducing new ones. Most people in the United States spend about 90% of their time indoors. The air we breathe indoors, and ultimately our health, can be impacted by many factors, including the air quality outdoors, people’s activities indoors, and the design, construction, operation and maintenance of a building.
Changes in the climate can affect the air we breathe indoors in many ways. For example, changes in the climate can worsen the quality of the air outdoors which infiltrates into indoor environments. Rising carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and warmer temperatures can increase outdoor airborne allergens which can infiltrate indoor spaces. Warmer temperatures and shifting weather patterns can lead to more frequent and severe wildfires. Smoke and other particle pollution generated outdoors, including from wildfire events and dust storms, can infiltrate indoor environments and contribute to levels of indoor particulate matter.
Additionally, more frequent and longer outdoor heat waves can result in higher indoor temperatures. Climate change is also increasing the frequency and severity of some extreme weather events, such as extreme precipitation, flooding, and storms, which can result in damage to buildings and allow water or moisture to enter indoors. Increased indoor dampness and humidity can lead to increases in mold, dust mites, bacteria, and other biological contaminants indoors. Extreme weather events can also create conditions that support increases in and the spread of pests and infectious agents that can make their way indoors.
Lastly, power outages may occur with more frequent extreme weather, making it more difficult to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and healthy indoor air quality, and leading to more frequent use of portable generators. Carbon monoxide poisoning from improper use of portable generators results in hundreds of deaths and thousands of illnesses each year.
Tips to Help You and Your Home Withstand Extreme Weather and Maintain Indoor Air Quality
Electric Power Outage
- Plan for an alternate power source: Consider how to provide electric power safely if floods, high winds, ice storms or other weather events result in power outages. See: Safely Provide Power for Lighting, Cooking and Heating.
- Plan for an alternate shelter: Include a backup location where you know there will be power and you will be welcome as part of your emergency plan for power loss.
Heavy Rains
Direct water away from your home:
- Add gutters and/or maintain gutters: Keep gutters and downspouts free of debris and leaks. Direct downspouts away from the house.
- Slope ground away from building: If rain puddles against the foundation after a storm, correct the problem by re-grading the area or installing underground drainage.
Heat Wave
- Keep air-conditioned air out of the attic*: Air seal ductwork and air handlers in the attic. Reduce unwanted solar heating of your home, in other words, reduce solar gains.
- Add reflective coating on the roof.
- Add reflective film on windows.
- When you reroof choose a light colour.
- When you get new windows, select windows with low solar heat gain
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Indoors and Outdoors Particulate Matter
