When parents think about keeping their children safe, they often focus on car seats, helmets, and healthy meals. But what about indoor air quality for kids? In Florida, where homes are sealed tightly to keep heat and humidity out, poor indoor air can have a significant impact on children’s health. The Florida Department of Health in Lee County warns that invisible dangers like carbon monoxide, radon, mold, and lead are more common than many realize—and kids are especially vulnerable.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters for Children
Children breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults, making them more susceptible to indoor pollutants. Poor air quality can trigger asthma, cause long-term lung damage, and increase the risk of cancer or developmental delays.
Common Indoor Air Pollutants in Florida Homes
- Radon: A radioactive gas that seeps in from the ground. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and is found in 1 in 5 Florida homes above the EPA’s safety limit.
- Carbon Monoxide: An odorless, invisible gas from fuel-burning appliances. Poisoning is deadly but preventable with alarms.
- Mold: Florida’s humidity allows mold to thrive, worsening asthma and allergies.
- Lead: Found in homes built before 1978. Even low levels can harm brain development in young children.
Simple Steps to Keep Your Home’s Air Safe
- Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home.
- Test for radon, even if neighbors’ homes tested safe.
- Fix leaks and reduce indoor humidity to prevent mold.
- Keep your home smoke-free and limit burning candles or wood indoors.
- Use exhaust fans and open windows when weather allows for fresh air circulation.
What Parents Should Know About Lead
- Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint—especially dangerous if it’s peeling or chipping.
- Children with pica (eating non-food items) may ingest lead from soil or dust.
- Be cautious with imported spices, supplements, or candy which may be contaminated with lead.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s lead screening recommendations and retest if levels are high.
Make Your Home a Safe Haven
With just a few simple precautions, you can improve indoor air quality for kids and ensure the air your children breathe is as healthy as the love that surrounds them.
Visit www.lee.floridahealth.gov for more information and resources.