Air Quality and Wellbeing
Air pollution exposure is linked to worse health; the personal-scale habits that reduce it are less studied.
The population-scale evidence is consistent: higher exposure to fine particulates and related pollutants is associated with greater cardiovascular, metabolic and dementia risk. Two things are weaker than they are often stated. Greenery is not straightforwardly good for airways, since allergenic pollen and respiratory irritation are among green space's documented downsides. And personal-scale ventilation habits are not covered in the research reviewed for this library at all. Reducing exposure is well justified; the specific household tactics are sensible rather than evidenced.
- A few houseplants meaningfully clean indoor air, ventilation and source control matter far more
- Outdoor air quality is out of your control, timing and location reduce exposure
- Houseplants or greenery purify indoor air enough to treat disease
- Clean air cures respiratory illness
- Worsening respiratory symptoms or suspected indoor contaminant (mold, CO) → clinician / qualified home-inspection professional
Every source below carries its own grade and links to the original study. This is the audit trail.