7 min read · Family Health
Why they're more sensitive
- Children breathe faster than adults and take in more air for their body size. Their lungs are still developing, and they spend more time close to the floor where dust settles.
- Seniors are more likely to live with heart or lung conditions, and their bodies can be less able to cope with pollution, heat and smoke.
Most Canadians spend about 90% of their time indoors, so the air at home, school and in care homes matters most.
At home
- Filter: MERV 11 is a good baseline for families; use MERV 13 if anyone has asthma or during wildfire smoke.
- Nursery and bedrooms: a quiet portable HEPA purifier sized for the room.
- No smoking or vaping indoors, and limit candles, incense and air fresheners.
- Ventilate while cooking – use the range hood, especially with gas stoves.
- Humidity 30–50%: too dry irritates airways in winter; too damp encourages mould and dust mites.
- Test for radon: Health Canada recommends every home be tested. Kits are inexpensive.
- Carbon monoxide alarms on every floor and outside sleeping areas.
- Clean smart: damp-dust and use a HEPA vacuum; choose low-VOC paints and cleaners.
Schools, daycares and long-term care
Shared buildings can upgrade their HVAC filtration to MERV 13 where the system allows, change filters on a fixed schedule, and keep ventilation running during occupied hours. Long-term care homes and schools are among the facilities we supply – facility managers can set up scheduled bulk deliveries so filters are never missed.
Signs the air may be a problem
Frequent headaches, stuffiness that improves away from home, worsening asthma, condensation and musty smells, or visible dust around vents. If someone has breathing symptoms, talk to a health professional.
Protect the people who matter most. Shop MERV 13 filters, made in Brampton, Ontario, or request a bulk quote for your school or care home.