Improving the Wellness Journey, One Breath at a Time
Aug 26, 2025 10:12AM ● By Brian Preuss, Owner of Green Home Solutions of Mt. Airy
Let’s begin with a familiar wellness ritual: the deep breath. Inhale fully. Pause. Now, as you exhale slowly, ask yourself: what was in that breath?
We often focus on food, movement, and mindfulness in our pursuit of wellness; yet the air we breathe plays a critical but often overlooked role in our health. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. And with most Americans spending nearly 90% of their time indoors, the stakes are high.
The health impacts are profound:
Brain Health: A 2021 study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that poor indoor air quality can impair cognitive function across all age groups.
Heart Health: High blood pressure, increased heart attack risk, and potential for arrhythmia can occur from exposure to indoor pollutants such as: particulate matter (PM2.5) which are very fine pollutants that can be inhaled; volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are gases that are released from furnishings and common household products; and mold spores.
Nervous System & Immune Health: Long-term exposure to mold and airborne toxins is linked to fatigue, hormonal disruption and weakened immunity.
Children’s Health: The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that indoor pollutants can hinder lung development and immune resilience in children.
For families in Central Maryland, each season brings unique indoor air quality challenges. Summer humidity fosters mold. Spring and fall stir up pollen and leaf mold. Winter traps stale air in tightly sealed homes. Across all seasons, common culprits contributing to poor indoor air quality include mold, PM2.5 from gas appliances and cooking, VOCs from furnishings, cleaning products and poor ventilation.
Wellness begins at home. To breathe easier:
Use HEPA-grade air filtration: High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are designed to capture particulates such as dust and pet dander. If you have an air purifier, make sure it includes a HEPA filter, and your vacuum should also have a HEPA filter.
Keep indoor humidity below 50 percent. Use a hygrometer or moisture meter to keep track of the relative humidity in your home.
Choose non-toxic, low-VOC materials in your furnishings and cleaners: many products advertise this feature.
Schedule a professional indoor air assessment to uncover hidden hazards.
In the journey to whole-body wellness, every breath truly matters.