Indoor air quality plays an important role in protecting the health of Idaho residents, because most people spend much of their time indoors at home, work, school, and childcare facilities. Poor indoor air quality can be caused by everyday sources such as radon, mold, combustion appliances, cleaning products, and building materials, and it may contribute to headaches, breathing problems, and other health concerns. Learn how to reduce exposures and find resources to create healthier indoor environments for you and your family.
Childcare and Schools
Why Clean Indoor Air Matters
Children spend many hours each day in classrooms and childcare settings. Clean indoor air helps them:
- Stay healthy with fewer coughs, colds, and asthma flare‑ups
- Miss fewer days of school or daycare
- Focus better and learn more comfortably
Young children breathe faster than adults, so they take in more air and more pollutants per minute. That makes clean air especially important.
Seasonal Air Quality Challenges and Sources
Year Around
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂): Produced by vehicles and non‑road engines. Turn engines off during drop‑off and pick‑up to reduce buildup.
- Radon: Levels are highest in winter but can be elevated year‑round. Long‑term exposure can cause lung cancer.
- Pesticides: Do not store or use on site. Exposure can cause both acute and long‑term health effects.
- Mold: Grows quickly when water damage occurs. Can trigger respiratory symptoms, including allergies and asthma.
- Carbon monoxide (CO): Results from improperly vented furnaces or exhaust drawn into the building. Causes fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness; can be fatal at high concentrations.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Emitted from candles, new flooring, air fresheners, and similar products. Can cause eye and respiratory irritation, nausea, and long‑term cancer risk.
Spring & Summer
- Wildfire smoke can drift indoors and irritate lungs and cause serious short- and long-term health risks. Regular home air filters do not remove PM2.5 (very small particulate matter).
Fall & Winter
- Closed windows trap pollutants inside.
- Radon (causes lung cancer) and other gases can build up when fresh air is limited. Radon is the highest in the winter.
- Temperature inversions can worsen outdoor air quality, affecting indoor air too Inversions are common events in the winter months.
These steps are easy, affordable, and effective:
- Ventilate When Possible: Open windows briefly to bring in fresh air on inversion and smoke free days.
- Use Quality Air Filters: HEPA purifiers or HVAC filters rated MERV 13 remove dust, pollen, and small particles.
- Replace Filters Often: Change HVAC filters regularly and schedule yearly system checks.
- Clean Regularly: Wipe toys, tables, floors, and bedding with safe, low‑odor products.
- Prevent Mold: Stop and fix leaks quickly and keep humidity between 30–50%. Carpets can hold moisture for long periods of time and can be a source of mold.
- Choose Low‑Chemical Products: Use low‑VOC paints, cleaners, and materials.
- Limit Dust‑Holding Items: Fewer rugs and stuffed toys means fewer allergens.
- Gas Detectors: Fire alarms, Co, and CO₂ detectors should be installed in every room.
Creating a Clean Room During Wildfire Smoke or Poor Outdoor Air
A Clean Room is a space with extra‑clean air for children who need it most. A good Clean Room includes:
- Minimal furniture and easy‑to‑clean surfaces
- A strong HEPA air purifier (MERV 11–13 recommended)
- Frequent cleaning with fragrance‑free products
- Hand washing before entering
- An air quality monitor to track conditions
Tip: A simple box‑fan with air purifiers is inexpensive and effective.
How Parents Can Help
- Ask your childcare provider or school how they manage indoor air quality.
- Encourage good hand-washing at home and school.
- Keep children home when sick to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.
- Share any asthma or allergy concerns so staff can support your child.
Why Is Coco Red? – Children learn about how wildfires impact air quality, and can affect their own health.
Why Is Coco Orange? – Children learn about air quality, the Air Now program, and the connection to asthma.
Wildfire and Smoke
Wildfires in Idaho are often caused by:
- Lightning strikes
- Campfires left unattended
- Burning debris
- Equipment sparks
- Cigarettes not properly put out
Drought, high temperatures, and wind make wildfires spread faster and farther.
Be Ready
- Pack a go-bag with essentials (medications, clothes, water, documents)
- Know your evacuation routes
- Sign up for emergency alerts in your area
- Keep your gas tank full
Stay Safe
- Follow evacuation orders quickly
- Keep windows and doors shut if smoke is heavy
- Run air purifiers or HVAC on recirculate mode
Avoid outdoor activity when air quality is poor
Wildfire smoke can affect your health, especially if you:
- Have asthma or other lung conditions
- Are elderly, a child, or pregnant
- Work outdoors
How to Protect Your Health:
- Stay indoors with windows and doors closed
- Use air purifiers or a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter and change often
- Limit physical activity outdoors
- Wear an N95 mask if you must go outside
- Create a clean room with DIY air cleaners
Emergency Preparedness Resources
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas you can’t see, smell, or taste. It is dangerous and can make you very sick, or even kill you before you realize it’s in your home.
What is Carbon Monoxide and Why is it Dangerous?
When you breathe in carbon monoxide, it stops your blood from carrying oxygen to your body. This can damage your organs and be life-threatening.
Anyone can get carbon monoxide poisoning, but some people are at higher risk, including:
- Babies and young children
- People with heart disease, anemia, or breathing problems
Know the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms can feel like the flu, but without a fever.
Mild to Moderate Poisoning Symptoms:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Dizziness
Severe Poisoning Symptoms:
- Mental confusion
- Vomiting
- Loss of muscle control
- Passing out
- Death
The amount of carbon monoxide you breathe in affects how serious the poisoning is and how long recovery takes. If you or your family have any symptoms and suspect carbon monoxide exposure, leave your home immediately and get medical help.
What to Do if You Think You Have Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Symptoms may include dizziness, headache, nausea, confusion, or weakness.
If you feel any of these symptoms:
- Get fresh air right away. Staying inside could make you pass out or even die.
- Leave your home immediately and call 911. Tell them you might have carbon monoxide poisoning.
- If you don’t have a phone, ask a neighbor for help.
- See a doctor or go to the emergency room. Fast treatment is important. Let the doctor know you think carbon monoxide is the cause.
- Have a professional check your appliances before you use them again to make sure they are safe.
Stay safe! Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and have your heating system checked regularly.
Common Sources of Carbon Monoxide in Your Home
Carbon monoxide can come from any fuel-burning appliance, vehicle, or tool. Examples include:
- Gas (propane) furnaces and heaters
- Gas water heaters
- Fireplaces and woodstoves
- Gas stoves and dryers
- Charcoal grills
- Lawnmowers, snow blowers, and yard equipment
- Cars and trucks
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented! Keep your family safe by following these simple steps:
Take Action
- Install a carbon monoxide detector near sleeping areas. Test it regularly and replace the batteries as needed.
- If the alarm goes off, leave your home immediately and call 911.
- If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous, seek medical help right away. These could be signs of CO poisoning.
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Build-Up
Do NOT use these items inside your home, basement, garage, near windows, or under a tent:
- Generators
- Charcoal grills
- Camp stoves
- Any gas or charcoal-burning devices
Do NOT use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
Do NOT leave a car running in a garage, even if the door is open.
Check vents and chimneys to make sure they are tightly sealed and free of cracks or rust.
Radon
Radon is a gas you can't see, smell, or taste. It naturally comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks. Radon can enter your home through small cracks in floors, walls, or around pipes.
Breathing high levels of radon over time can increase your risk of lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., and the number one cause among non-smokers.
The only way to know if you have it is to test.
Mold
Mold problems in buildings happen when there is too much moisture from leaks or condensation. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) does not test for mold, but we offer resources to help renters and landlords deal with moisture issues.