What’s Really Polluting the Air Inside New York Homes

Indoor air contaminants are commonly found in homes throughout New York, causing health issues such as allergies, asthma flare-ups, and other respiratory illnesses. From crowded cities to peaceful mountain towns, and sprawling farms, New York is full of variety – and the indoor air pollutants in your home can be just as mixed.

For example, homes in New York City often contend with higher levels of pollution from combustion gases and heavy traffic, as well as mold in older buildings. Homeowners in Upstate New York, meanwhile, may face higher pollen counts and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from newer construction, agricultural areas, or wood-burning stoves.

No matter where you live in the Empire State, though, indoor air pollution impacts your quality of life. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates indoor air is 2-5 times more polluted than the outside air.

Whether you call Long Island, Syracuse, or New York City home, protecting your family from harmful contaminants like mold, bacteria, VOCs, and formaldehyde can reduce their risk of illness and exposure. That’s where Maple Air Pür Plasma™ comes in. Our revolutionary air purification system reduces indoor pollutants up to 15 times better than other purifiers that use outdated technology. It’s ozone-free, 100% organic, and can last longer than your HVAC system.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters in New York

The average New Yorker spends about 90% of their time indoors, which means the air in homes, offices, and schools directly impacts their health and comfort. The air they breathe everyday can be packed with invisible pollutants – from dust and mold spores to bacteria, viruses, and VOCs – without even knowing it. As 2026 approaches, outdoor threats like wildfire smoke and rising ozone levels continue to impact indoor pollution.

New York’s regional factors make IAQ difficult to manage:

• High humidity in New York City and other coastal communities causes mold and dust mites.
• Older homes in Nassau and Suffolk counties and cities such as Albany and Kingston can create opportunities for leaks, condensation, and poor ventilation, conditions mold and contaminants thrive in.
• Urban density in NYC boroughs including Queens and Staten Island allows outdoor pollutants like fine particulate matter to enter homes, especially in older or poorly ventilated apartments.
• Radon in the state’s Southern Tier consistently shows some of the highest levels in the state, making testing important even in homes that feel safe.
• Seasonal outdoor air issues across New York – including ozone, pollen, and tree spores – can enter homes through open windows and gaps in older buildings. These pollutants can worsen allergies and lower your indoor air quality, but Maple Air’s purification systems help by breaking down ozone and trapping those particles.

These factors affect your health, comfort, and productivity. Making small changes to your home’s air quality – including improving ventilation, maintaining appliances, and installing air purification systems – can reduce harmful contaminants.

Common Indoor Air Contaminants in New York Homes

Mold and Moisture-Related Fungi

Mold is common across New York, particularly in humid coastal areas like Baldwin Harbor and Massapequa Park on Long Island. It grows in dark, moist places like basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, and behind walls. Mold species like Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Stachybotrys release spores that irritate the body, potentially causing sneezing, runny noses, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, headaches, and asthma symptoms.

To keep mold under control, fix leaks, remove standing water, and install a whole-home dehumidifier to lower humidity levels. If you discover mold, contact a licensed mold remediation specialist to safely remove it.

“Controlling moisture levels can prevent mold growth, which is a significant source of indoor air pollution,” Michelle Whitmer, an asbestos and environmental expert with the Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com, told Real Simple. “To do so, consider getting a dehumidifier if your home has high humidity, especially in the summer. Then, regularly turn on an air purifier to help clear the air.”

Biological Contaminants: Bacteria, Viruses, and Allergens

Bacteria, viruses, pollen, and pet dander are often overlooked but can circulate throughout homes, especially with the help of HVAC systems. These pollutants may trigger:

• Asthma attacks
• Sinus irritation
• Respiratory infections
• Allergies
• Chronic coughing or sneezing
• Eye irritation

Regional hotspots for airborne bacteria and allergens vary across New York. In Smithtown and Nesconset, for example, older HVAC systems and high humidity make these contaminants more common. In Staten Island, seasonal pollen easily drifts indoors through open windows, clothing, and tiny gaps around doors.

To reduce exposure to bacteria, clean your home regularly, install an air purifier, and have your HVAC system serviced regularly. If you have pets, keep them off couches and out of bedrooms where you sleep to reduce pet dander and other allergens.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Chemical Pollutants

VOCs are chemicals released from paints, furniture, flooring, and cleaning products. They may irritate your eyes, nose, and throat and may cause headaches or dizziness. Reduce exposure by using low-VOC products and keeping your home well-ventilated.

You can also lower buildup by letting new furniture or materials “off-gas” in a well-ventilated space, and regularly airing out rooms where chemical odors tend to linger.

Carbon Monoxide and Combustion Gases

Carbon monoxide (CO), referred to as the “silent killer,” is a colorless, odorless gas that can be dangerous – or even deadly – if it builds up indoors. Common sources of CO in NY homes include gas stoves, fireplaces, and other fuel-burning appliances.

Older homes with aging appliances in Long Island communities like Island Park and Deer Park may be more at risk, but CO detectors should be installed in every New York home – old or new. Place them on each floor, including the basement, and outside sleeping areas.

Even low levels of CO exposure could cause irritation, fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. Check your detectors once a month by pressing the “test” button to make sure they’re working properly.

Unfortunately, carbon monoxide dangers do exist. In April 2025, 10 people in Brentwood, Long Island were hospitalized after a faulty oil burner caused a dangerous leak in a multi-family home. The house was considered unsafe for not having enough smoke and CO detectors.

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless and odorless and might seep into basements and ground-level areas. Long-term exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, especially for smokers or those exposed to secondhand smoke.

Radon levels in New York are higher in southern counties including Chemung, Tioga, Broome, and Chenango counties. The EPA lists 34 counties as “Zone 1,” meaning their average indoor radon level is predicted to be above 4 pCi/L.

To test for radon, professionals use short-term and long-term detectors in basements or ground-level rooms to measure gas levels accurately. If levels are high, vent pipes and fans can be installed to push radon outdoors.

Radon levels in Staten Island, NYC, and Long Island are generally lower than in New York’s high-risk areas, but testing is still recommended since indoor concentrations vary from home to home.

Air Purifiers for Pesticides in New York

Even if you don’t live on a farm, pesticides can still find their way into your home. Drift from spraying, volatilization, or residue tracked in on shoes, pets, or clothing might introduce chemicals like neonicotinoids and 2,4‑D herbicide into homes, especially near agricultural areas.

To reduce exposure:

• Close windows during spraying
• Use hedges or physical barriers around your home
• Clean floors and surfaces regularly
• Cut back on indoor pesticide use

High-performing purifiers, including plasma-based systems from Maple Air, not only capture airborne pesticide particles but also neutralize chemical residues to provide 24/7 protection.

Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality in New York Homes

Indoor air pollution is difficult to detect because contaminants are invisible. It usually builds up slowly, so you might not realize there’s an issue until it starts affecting your health or comfort.

Look for these common warning signs of indoor air pollution:

• Headaches, fatigue, and allergy symptoms
• Musty odors or visible mold
• Chemical smells from paint, furniture, or cleaners
• Stuffy rooms, condensation, or lingering dampness
• Recurring respiratory infections
• Irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat
• Unexplained coughing or wheezing

“Indoor air quality is perhaps the worst in winter and during extremely hot temperatures due to a lack of ventilation, when we keep our windows closed and stay inside for extended periods,” Pulmonologist Neha Solanki, MD, said in a Cleveland Clinic article. “But the air you breathe inside can affect your health all year.”

“If you spend significant time inside around others who are sick, you have a higher risk of catching a cold.”

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Testing and Assessment

Indoor air quality testing by a licensed professional identifies hidden problems like:

• Mold
• VOCs and formaldehyde
• Radon
• Bacteria

Testing looks for the sources of pollutants, collects samples, and provides clear recommendations on how to fix any issues.

At-home monitoring can help, too. Radon kits, humidity sensors, and particle counters provide helpful insights into the condition of your home’s air.

Ventilation and Air Circulation

Small steps go a long way in improving your home’s air quality. Using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms can reduce moisture, odors, and airborne contaminants at their source.

Running your HVAC system in circulation mode keeps air moving, reduces pollutants, and allows filters and air purifiers to work better.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning regularly reduces allergens, bacteria, and chemical pollutants to help your home feel fresher and healthier.

• Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery regularly
• Replace furnace filters every 1-3 months
• Inspect your fuel-burning appliances to prevent CO buildup

Advanced Solutions such as Maple Air Pür Plasma™

Traditional air purifiers have relied on outdated technology for decades and often don’t address all contaminants. Today, Maple Air Pür Plasma™ represents the gold standard of whole-home air purification.

• 24/7 protection against viruses, bacteria, mold spores, VOCs, harmful gases, and odors
• Ozone-free and 100% organic
• Proven results: up to 15x more effective than conventional air purifiers
• Addresses contaminants in the air and on surfaces.
• Trusted by hotels, gyms, and universities for high-traffic spaces
• Affordable, fast installation, and low maintenance
• Long lasting and inexpensive to run

Whether you live in a humid Long Island basement in New Hyde Park or a high-rise in Manhattan, Maple Air keeps your air fresh, clean, and safe for everyone.

How Maple Air Helps Keep Your Home’s Air Clean and Healthy

Indoor air quality can affect your family’s health, comfort, and productivity. From mold and bacteria to VOCs, radon, and combustion gases, New York homes face a wide range of air pollutants, with factors like humidity, urban density, and aging homes adding to the challenge.

Testing, ventilation, and cleaning go a long way in improving air quality. Advanced solutions like Maple Air Pür Plasma™ provide unmatched purification by removing pollutants and chemical residues around the clock. No matter where you live in New York, breathe easier knowing your home is armed with the best whole-house air purifier.

You can buy the Maple Air Pür Plasma™ at the following New York locations: https://www.costellosace.com/store-locator/

New York‑specific IAQ FAQs

Is the Air in My New York Home Making Me Sick?

Poor indoor air quality can make you sick. The New York State Department of Health notes that cooking, old building materials, and cleaning products may cause poor indoor air quality, which may worsen symptoms like headaches, sinus irritation, or fatigue.

How Do I Test the Air Quality in My New York Home?

Licensed companies in NYC check for mold, bacteria, VOCs, and radon. DIY kits are available for specific concerns, such as radon, but professional testing offers a more complete picture.

Why Should New Yorkers be Concerned about Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless and odorless. It can sneak into homes through cracks or foundations without you knowing. About 13.9% of homes in New York State have radon levels at or above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L, according to the American Lung Association. Long-term exposure increases the risk of lung cancer. If testing shows high levels, installing a radon mitigation system can reduce exposure and protect your family’s health.

What Are the Most Common Biological Contaminants in New York Homes?

Common biological pollutants found in New York include mold, bacteria, viruses, pollen, and animal dander. Mold is especially common in damp or poorly ventilated areas, such as basements or near leaks.

How Can New York Homeowners Improve Their Indoor Air Quality?

Testing for radon, maintaining proper humidity levels, using air filters or purifiers, and ensuring CO and smoke detectors are working can improve air quality. Choosing low-VOC paints and cleaning products, along with proper ventilation, also reduces indoor pollutants and keep homes healthier.