When thinking about pollution, you probably envision big cities, cars, buses, and industrial facilities — places known for smog, dust, and debris. In reality, however, your home could be the biggest culprit. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that indoor air may be five times more polluted than outdoor air. This means the quality of the air you breathe every day could be quietly damaging your health and the planet.

This is exactly why you need to learn about indoor air quality  and how you can improve it. Your physical well-being is too important to risk damaging with poor air quality. By identifying pollutants and taking action against them, you may be able to reap the physical benefits.

In the accompanying checklist, learn about health dangers associated with indoor air pollution — from asthma to respiratory disease. Likewise, take a look at common causes of indoor pollution and what you can do about them. Thankfully, there are several simple steps you can take to combat indoor pollution — such as changing furnace filters regularly to running a dehumidifier during the summer to prevent mold and mildew.