Perhaps the only good thing to say about smog is that all that brown muck is visible to the naked eye, acting as a sobering reality check that air pollution is indeed a problem.

Smog's stealthier, sneakier and far more dangerous cousin is indoor pollution — a menace that is pretty much invisible. Unfortunately, indoor air pollution is two to five times worse than the air quality outside.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency [1], we are often unaware that we are polluting when we light a candle, clean the sink or freshen up our rooms with a new paint job. It's a problem worsened during the winter because we spend more time indoors, and keep doors and windows sealed up against the elements The EPA has posted a helpful guide [2] about this issue on their website.

But there is some good news. Indoor air quality is — to some extent — within our control. There are easy ways to reduce unhealthy particulates inside and make your home healthier.

Easy Fixes 

• Take a cue from Asian cultures, and leave shoes — which track in dust, pollen, and pesticides — at the door. Keep some indoor slippers by the door as a reminder.
• Switch to soy or beeswax candles [2] because the petroleum-based paraffin wax from regular candles produces toxic soot. And cut back on burning smoky incense.
• Use green cleaning products [2], as traditional products use harsh chemicals that can leave you dizzy and nauseated, or give you a sore throat, among other ailments. Vinegar and baking powder are cheap and much healthier alternatives.
• Run a fan when you're taking a shower to keep toxic mold from spreading.
• Replace your vinyl shower liner with nylon or cotton, as vinyl has been shown to release pollutants.
• Cut down on dry cleaning which emits carcinogenic solvents; or use an eco-friendly dry cleaning service.
• Wash bedding [2] weekly, and use allergen-proof mattresses and pillow covers to starve dust mites.

Next Steps

• Use no or low VOC-paints, because traditional paint releases toxins for up to a year
• Replace your carpets with hard surfaces, which don't harbor dust, pollen, animal dander or other allergens.
• If you have a fireplace [3] or wood-burning stove, get the chimney swept on a regular basis.
• Opt for solid wood furniture when possible, because furniture made from MDF and particle-board can contain formaldehyde.