National Survey of Healthcare Professionals Reveals Knowledge Gaps Around Indoor Air Quality and Offers Opportunities to Better Support At-Risk Patients

CHICAGO, Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the American Lung Association's new nationwide survey, more education and training is needed for health professionals to confidently address the health impacts of indoor air pollution with their patients. With people in the United States spending up to 90% of their time indoors, where air quality is often two to five times more polluted than the air outside, early risk identification and intervention are key to minimizing exposure and health impacts for patient groups who are at greatest risk.

"Healthcare professionals can play a vital role in protecting their patients from the health impacts of indoor air pollution—especially those who are at high risk, like children and people living with lung or heart disease. As trusted messengers of health-related matters, providers can effectively communicate the risks and offer mitigation strategies for patients," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "The Lung Association is leveraging the findings to support, equip and enhance providers' ability to improve patient health outcomes."

The Lung Association surveyed more than 900 healthcare professionals in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to gauge attitudes, beliefs and practices related to indoor air pollution and its health impacts. Key findings include:

• Nearly all respondents agreed that providers should assess patients' exposure to indoor air pollution and play an active role in helping patients understand the impacts of indoor air pollution.
• However, only one in four respondents were satisfied with their current knowledge of the health effects of indoor air pollution. Only two in five felt well-prepared to discuss health impacts with their patients.
• Nearly half of respondents reported discussing indoor air pollution with only a few or none of their patients, citing barriers such as lack of knowledge and time constraints.
• While familiar with some common indoor allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, mold, and secondhand smoke, respondents reported significantly lower familiarity with the health effects of pollutants like radon, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer, emissions from residential combustion, lead paint dust, particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—all of which pose substantial health risks.
• When patients report indoor air pollution symptoms, three in four providers were likely to recommend interventions to mitigate exposure, including reducing the source of pollution, using a HEPA air cleaner and increasing ventilation.
• Respondents were most likely to discuss limiting indoor air pollution with patients with asthma and other respiratory conditions and patients over the age of 65.

The survey findings underscore a clear need for enhanced training and resources for healthcare professionals on the diverse range of indoor air pollutants, their health consequences and effective communication strategies.

The Lung Association is using the survey findings to engage, educate and empower healthcare professionals in indoor air quality and help at-risk individuals, including providing clinical assessment and decision support tools, working with professional health organizations and launching an Indoor Air Quality Ambassador Program.

Indoor air pollution impacts everyone at all stages of life, but children, older adults, pregnant individuals and people with lung disease, heart disease and other underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable. Communities of color and communities with lower incomes are disproportionally impacted by indoor air pollution. The World Health Organization attributes 3.2 million deaths related to household air pollution to lower respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), ischemic heart disease, stroke and lung cancer.

Indoor air pollution can cause both short- and long-term health effects including headaches; eye, nose and throat inflammation; coughing and painful breathing; bronchitis; skin irritation; reduced immune response; impacts to the central nervous system and cognition; exacerbations in respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD; strokes; heart attacks; and even cancer.

For more resources about indoor air quality and resources for healthcare professionals, visit Lung.org/IAQResources. The full report, "Invisible Risks: Assessing Healthcare Professionals' Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Around Indoor Air Quality," is available here.

About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events or donate today at Lung.org/donate. 

CONTACT: Jill Dale | American Lung Association
P: 312-940-7001 M: 720-438-8289 E: [email protected]

SOURCE American Lung Association