By Michael Lentin

Car exhaust. Construction dust. Pollen. Air pollution in New York City is bad enough outside. But did you know it may be even worse in your apartment, office, or brownstone? Here’s how you can manage your apartment’s air quality—with the help of Soundproof Windows.

According to the EPA, “a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities.” But that said, the outdoor air quality isn’t great either. When you live in an urban environment, keeping the air in your apartment fresh and pollutant-free can be a challenge.

Assessing New York City Air Quality
Air pollution in New York City contributes to an estimated 6% of annual deaths, as well as respiratory diseases like asthma and emphysema. Outdoors, city air contains dangerous levels of ozone and particle pollution. This year, Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx all received failing grades in the American Lung Association’s 15th annual air quality report.

Inside your apartment or office, the air may contain carbon monoxide, secondhand smoke residue, and radon gas. These contaminants can also filter into your apartment from other units through leaks in the building structure.

Soundproof Windows and Air Quality
In addition to blocking out unwanted noise, Soundproof Windows provide added insulation from dust, particles, and pollen. They can do a lot to keep your apartment clean and outdoor pollutant free.

For the same reasons they are effective at keeping out sound and air, Soundproof Windows may also contribute to the buildup of indoor air contaminants. However, with the right tools, lowering your levels of indoor air contaminants is simple.

Improving Your Air Quality With Soundproof Windows
Managing your air quality involves keeping dust and outdoor pollution out, reducing the amount of indoor pollutants, and prudently ventilating your apartment or office. Soundproof Windows will keep the outdoor pollutants out—but what about the rest?

The most effective way to reduce indoor air pollutants is to identify and eliminate them at the source. Install a carbon monoxide detector; regularly clean the filters on your heater, furnace, air conditioner, air purifier, and vacuum; lower the humidity in your apartment. Replace synthetic air fresheners and petroleum-based candles with all natural air fresheners and soy-based or beeswax alternatives. Invest in a HEPA air purifier, and buy plants to increase the amount of breathable air in your apartment.

Even with the air-freshening options above, you’ll still want to be able to open your Windows to cool down your apartment, air out any built up indoor pollutants, and enjoy a pleasant breeze. When you’re shopping for Soundproof Windows, make sure you purchase the kind that open, such as CitiQuiet Soundproof Window inserts. Before you open your Windows, check your local air quality to make sure there isn’t an unusual amount of smog, exhaust or other contaminants accumulating in your area.

When you live in New York City, both noise and air pollution can negatively impact your health and livelihood. However with careful planning, and the help of Soundproof Windows, you can manage both.