Lungs in a Box: How Indoor Air Quality Affects Your Health
- Dr. Howard A. Friedman MD, founder of HHOM LLC
- Jun 25
- 4 min read
06-18-2025
By Dr. Howard Friedman MD | Veteran | U.S. Army Medical Corps | Internal Medicine | HHOM LLC
They breathe what we can barely see,
The silent drift of dust and plea.
From gas-lit flame to moldy seam,
Our homes betray the health we dream.
A box of breath, not always clean—
Yet we decide what flows unseen.
---Dr. Howard Friedman MD
Introduction: The Air We Forget to Notice
Americans spend more than 90% of their time indoors. Yet few ever pause to think about the air they’re breathing inside their own homes. We take for granted that it’s safe—after all, we’re not in traffic or on an industrial site. But this assumption can be misleading. The truth is, your home may be helping or harming your health. This blog is about lungs in a box and indoor air quality. The truth is, your indoor air quality may be helping or harming your health.
Your indoor space—your microenvironment—is just as important as the food you eat, the steps you take, or the sleep you get. I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it: healing begins at home. And that includes the air you inhale with every breath.
The Invisible Threat
Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the cleanliness and safety of the air within buildings and homes. According to the EPA, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Why? Because we trap pollutants inside—then spend hours breathing them in.
High temperatures, humidity, and poor ventilation make it worse. Gases and fine particles accumulate, often unnoticed, yet capable of doing lasting harm. If you’ve ever felt foggy, fatigued, or congested without a clear cause, your home’s air may be playing a silent role. This is lungs in a box, indoor air quality.
Where Does Indoor Air Pollution Come From?
Indoor air quality and your health.
Indoor pollutants come from multiple sources, often combining into a toxic mix:
Poor Ventilation: Without fresh airflow, pollutants linger and concentrate.
Building Materials: Asbestos, formaldehyde, and lead can off-gas for decades.
Household Products: Paints, cleaners, air fresheners, pesticides, and even furniture release VOCs—volatile organic compounds.
Combustion Appliances: Gas stoves, wood-burning fireplaces, and heaters produce carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and fine particulate matter.
Biological Contaminants: Mold, mildew, dust mites, pollen, pet dander—all common in closed environments.
Outdoor Air Intrusion: Pollutants like ozone and vehicle exhaust can enter poorly sealed homes.
Radon Gas: A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into basements and crawlspaces undetected.
Tobacco Smoke: Still one of the most potent indoor pollutants, including secondhand and thirdhand exposure.
The Health Toll
The effects of poor indoor air quality can range from subtle to severe. Some people are more sensitive than others—especially veterans, older adults, and those with chronic illnesses. But no one is truly immune.
Short-term symptoms may include:
Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
Headaches and dizziness
Fatigue and poor concentration
Long-term exposure has been linked to:
Worsening of asthma, COPD, and other respiratory conditions
Increased risk for cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline
Cancer, particularly with radon and prolonged VOC exposure
Sleep disruption, irritability, and even mood disorders
The home, once a haven, can become a hidden hazard if the air within is ignored.
Be Empowered: Simple Actions, Real Results
The good news? You have more control than you think. Here are evidence-based steps to improve your indoor air quality:
Ventilation: Open windows regularly. Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans.
Humidity Control: Aim for 40–50%. Use dehumidifiers in damp basements and humidifiers during dry winters.
Ditch the Gas Stove: Switch to electric or induction cooktops to reduce combustion byproducts.
Invest in Air Purifiers: Choose units with HEPA filters and activated carbon to remove particles and gases.
Maintenance Matters: Change HVAC filters on schedule. Tune up heating and cooling systems annually.
Go Natural: Opt for low-VOC, non-toxic cleaning and building products.
Houseplants: While not a complete solution, some can mildly support cleaner air.
Check for Radon: Test your home, especially if you live in a high-risk zone. Kits are affordable and easy to use.
Clean Regularly: Dust, vacuum with HEPA filters, and address leaks or mold early.
Special Considerations
Veterans living in older homes, individuals with chronic respiratory illness, or immunocompromised individuals may benefit from home assessments. Local and national programs sometimes offer aid for remediation—don’t hesitate to inquire.
Your Box, Your Breath
You can’t always control the world outside—but you can shape the world within your walls.
By becoming aware of indoor air pollution and taking proactive steps to reduce it, you take ownership of your own healing environment. This is where true preventative health begins—not in a pill, but in the places we live, breathe, and recover.
Whatever path you take, Howard’s House of Medicine walks beside you—offering not just insight, but empowerment.
Your home is your box. Your air is your breath. Make both as clean and life-giving as they can be.
—Dr. Howard Friedman MD
Board-Certified | Internal Medicine | Veteran | U.S. Army Medical Corps
Founder of Howard’s House of Medicine (HHOM LLC)
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How can I tell if my indoor air is making me sick?
A: The signs are often subtle—fatigue, brain fog, persistent congestion, or dry eyes. If you feel better outdoors or in another environment, that’s a clue. Pay attention to unexplained respiratory symptoms, headaches, or sleep disruption, especially if they improve when you're away from home. These could all point to poor indoor air quality.
Q: What’s the most effective first step I can take today?
A: Open a window. Fresh air dilutes pollutants and reduces indoor buildup. Combine that with checking your HVAC filter—if it’s dirty, replace it. Small changes, like running exhaust fans or reducing chemical cleaners, can have immediate impact without costing much.
Q: Should veterans and people with chronic illness take extra precautions?
A: Absolutely. Veterans exposed to toxins during service or those with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions are especially vulnerable to poor indoor air. Consider using a HEPA air purifier, testing for radon, and avoiding combustion-based appliances. A safer home environment supports long-term healing and resilience.
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