Now that daylight savings has passed us by, winter chills are giving way to warmth, and holidays like Easter, Passover, and Eid on the horizon, many of us are gearing up for spring travel. Or perhaps you’ve got a busy summer travel schedule to look forward to. As you prepare to embark on these journeys, it’s essential to consider a factor that often goes unnoticed: air quality in your accommodations.
When you’re a guest at a hotel or Airbnb, you’re vulnerable to whatever is in the air like mold, dust, or harmful chemical cleaners. Understanding and navigating air quality concerns can ensure your well-being remains intact and greatly enhance your travel experience.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into common air quality issues at hotels and explore how you can proactively address air quality concerns to make the most of your adventures. From practical tips for choosing accommodations with good air quality to strategies for mitigating allergens and pollutants, we’ll equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to breathe easy during your upcoming adventures.
So before you pack your bags, join us as we embark on a journey to prioritize your health and comfort to make the most of spring (or summer) travel.
Why Does Indoor Air Quality Go Unnoticed in Hotels?
People with severe allergies or chemical sensitivity are hyper-aware of indoor air quality (IAQ) issues anywhere they go. But for the majority of people, this may not be on your radar. There are a few reasons for the lack of awareness.
Many hotel guests stay for only a brief period, such as a night or two, which may not be long enough for them to detect air quality issues. There can also be a delay in experiencing symptoms of poor air quality like respiratory discomfort or allergies.
Additionally, many folks may not be familiar with the signs of poor air quality or may not recognize the potential health implications. It’s easy to attribute symptoms such as fatigue, coughing or congestion to other factors like long days sightseeing or seasonal allergies.
Bad IAQ in hotels can also go unnoticed because of air fresheners or fragrances used to mask unpleasant odors. While these scents may disguise underlying air quality issues, they do not address the root cause of poor air quality. Worse, they often emit harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) further contributing to lowering IAQ.
Overall, while air quality issues may not always be immediately noticeable to travelers, they can still have significant implications for health and comfort – and maybe even ruin your trip.
Common Air Quality Issues in Hotels
The air quality issues that are frequent in hotels can vary depending on factors such as location, building age, maintenance practices, and surrounding environment. Some prevalent issues include:
Poor Ventilation and HVAC Issues: Inadequate ventilation can lead to the accumulation of indoor air pollutants such as dust, VOCs, and allergens. Without proper airflow, stale air can linger, causing discomfort and potential health effects. Malfunctioning heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can lead to poor air circulation and reduced indoor air quality. Dirty or clogged filters can also compromise the effectiveness of HVAC systems in filtering out pollutants.
Allergens: Dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and pollen are common allergens that can exacerbate allergies and respiratory conditions for guests, such as asthma and COPD. Improper cleaning practices or lack of maintenance can contribute to the proliferation of these allergens in hotel rooms and common areas or Airbnbs.
Indoor Smoking and Vaping: Despite the prevalence of non-smoking/non-vaping policies in many hotels and rental apartments, some guests may disregard these rules and smoke or vape indoors, leading to secondhand smoke exposure. Lingering smoke odors and residue can persist in rooms and affect air quality for subsequent guests.
Mold and Mildew: Moisture-prone areas such as bathrooms, basements, and HVAC systems provide favorable conditions for mold and mildew growth. If not addressed promptly, mold can release spores into the air, contributing to respiratory issues and unpleasant odors. This is a particularly persistent issue in tropical climates or areas with a lot of flooding.
Chemical Cleaners and Fragrances: As mentioned earlier, harsh cleaning chemicals and synthetic fragrances used in air fresheners can release VOCs into the air, leading to indoor air pollution. Guests with sensitivities or allergies may experience adverse reactions to these chemicals.
Outdoor Pollution: Hotels and Airbnbs located in urban areas or near busy roadways may be susceptible to outdoor air pollution infiltrating indoor spaces. Vehicle emissions, industrial pollutants, and construction activities can introduce particulate matter and other pollutants into the hotel environment. This can also be an issue in rural areas due to agricultural activity like pesticide application or controlled burns.
Pesticide Use: No one likes to think about it but insect infestations are a common concern in hotels and Airbnbs, leading to the use of pesticides. We’d hope that professional exterminators are careful but indiscriminate use of pesticides indoors can result in indoor air contamination and potential health risks for guests and staff.
Addressing these air quality issues requires a comprehensive and often very expensive approach from hotels and Airbnbs that includes regular maintenance, effective ventilation strategies, use of eco-friendly cleaning products, and adherence to smoke-free policies.
For hotel proprietors or vacation rental managers, adding Austin Air cleaners to your property makes it visible to your guests that you’re proactive about their health and comfort, and air cleaners are also cost-effective to boot. Even better, adding air cleaners can be another feature to help distinguish your place over the competition – especially in areas that are prone to wildfires.
How to Be Proactive About Air Quality When Traveling
Although it’s common sense and good business to prioritize indoor air quality to provide a healthier and more comfortable environment for their guests, we can’t always trust hotels or Airbnb hosts to do what is best. This is why it is important for travelers to be proactive in how you choose accommodations. Here are some tips:
Check Reviews: Before booking, read reviews from previous guests to see if there are any complaints about air quality issues such as odors, mold, or cigarette smoke.
Avoid Outdoor Pollution Sources: You’ll probably check the map to see if the lodgings are in a safe neighborhood or close to dining options. You should also check for any industrial activities or a nearby highway which might impact the air quality in that neighborhood. Being close to a major roadway might be good for getting into and out of town but you’ll also be exposed to more car emissions.
Open Windows: Upon arrival, open windows to allow fresh air to circulate into the space. This can help reduce indoor air pollutants and improve ventilation, especially if the accommodation doesn’t have a central air conditioning system.
Inspect for Mold: Before unpacking, check the bathroom and other areas prone to moisture for signs of mold or mildew growth. If you notice any, report it to the host or hotel staff immediately.
Avoid Smoking Rooms: If you’re a non-smoker, request a non-smoking room or Airbnb listing to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
Ask About Air Filtration (or BYO!): Contact the host or hotel staff and inquire about the type of air filtration system they have in place. Ask if they use HEPA filters to remove pollutants from the air.
If you’re traveling by car, you may also want to consider bringing along an Austin Air cleaner, featuring both HEPA and activated carbon. Anyone who is chemically sensitive or suffering from severe allergies can attest to this as a great practice.
Austin Air dealer and consultant Heather Welsh of Truly Healthy always travels with her Austin Air cleaners, insisting “they’re the only thing that make hotel rooms tolerable.” Aside from allergies or sensitivities, this is also a great tip for parents traveling for kids’ sports tournaments and competitions – air cleaners can make a huge impact on recovery after high-intensity competition.
Worried about space in the car? A junior Austin Air unit can be perfect for travel! They are officially back by popular demand – starting March 25 or order today from one of our fantastic Austin Air dealers.
There’s a lot to think about when you’re planning spring travel to parts unknown. By following these tips, you can help ensure a comfortable and healthy stay while traveling, even in unfamiliar accommodations.
Stay healthy and bon voyage!
