How clean the air is inside your home might be top of mind after a wildfire or other outdoor air-pollution event. But year-round, everyone can benefit from breathing cleaner air indoors. Poor indoor air quality may contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cognitive impacts, cancers, and allergies, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.Americans spend an average of 90% of their time inside, said Dr. Juanita Mora, a physician at the Chicago Allergy Center and spokesperson for the American Lung Association. Indoors, people are exposed to chemicals and particulates, as well as common irritants like dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores that can trigger allergies and asthma.Improving indoor air quality is especially important for members of vulnerable groups, including infants, children, older adults, or those who have existing respiratory issues. You also might face compounded health effects from poor indoor air quality if you’re a smoker or live with one, or if you are exposed regularly to outdoor air pollution, said Dr. Enid Rose Neptune, a professor of pulmonology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.Taking a few routine and seasonal steps can go a long way toward managing allergy symptoms and reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and microplastics. Try even a few of the steps we outline below, and you and your housemates can breathe more easily right away and enjoy long-term benefits, too.