Is Bad Air Quality Affecting You? Signs to Watch For

Bad air quality may be affecting you if you develop irritated eyes, a scratchy throat, coughing, headaches, or unusual fatigue in a particular place. People with asthma or other breathing conditions may also notice wheezing or chest tightness. These symptoms have many possible causes, so a single headache does not prove the air is the problem.

Look for a pattern instead: Do you feel worse after spending time in one room, while cooking, or when outdoor air is smoky? Do you feel better after leaving the area? A pattern like that is a useful clue to investigate.

Visible smoke, lingering cooking fumes, a musty smell, or dust stirred up during cleaning can point to a possible source. You may also notice symptoms when windows are open during a poor outdoor air-quality day. Not every pollutant has a smell, though, and an odor alone cannot tell you whether an exposure is safe.

Check local outdoor air-quality reports when smoke or pollution is possible. Indoors, note when symptoms occur and what was happening at the time. That record can help you decide whether to improve ventilation, avoid an activity that creates fumes, or address a damp area. For more background, see this guide to recognizing air-quality effects.

If symptoms repeatedly improve when you leave a space, reduce your exposure while you look for the source. For example, step away from smoke or strong fumes, and avoid opening windows when outdoor air is poor. If symptoms persist or recur, talk with a health care professional rather than assuming air quality is the only cause.

Seek urgent medical care for severe trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or symptoms that rapidly worsen. If several people in a building suddenly develop headaches, dizziness, or nausea—especially where fuel-burning appliances are present—leave the building and seek emergency help; carbon monoxide cannot be reliably detected by smell.

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