The Healthspan Map · Habits (Ch4) - Quick-wins

Indoor air quality

Compiled by Aamir Malik, PhD, Professor of Neuroengineering at Brno University of Technology, from published studies. He is a researcher, not a physician. Last updated 21 August 2026.

What this is linked to

Where Indoor air quality is linked: 4 sources.In the order the Map holds them: strongest evidence first. That is a statement about the evidence, not about what matters most.
Condition or system	Direction	Strength	Evidence type	What was found	Source
Brain fog & memory	Do this	Emerging	RCT / meta-analysis	Air pollution is a recognized modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline; calm low-stimulus settings reduce cognitive load.	Lancet Commission on dementia 2024 (opens in a new tab)
Headache & migraine	Do this	Emerging	Review / narrative	Strong odors and sensory overload can provoke migraine; a calm, low-stimulus environment helps.	Migraine trigger literature (Frontiers 2022) (opens in a new tab)
Reproductive & sexual health	Do this	Emerging	Cohort / observational	Air pollution and airborne pollutants are among the environmental exposures associated with reduced sperm quality and fertility.	Endocrine-disrupting chemicals & male fertility (Frontiers 2023) (opens in a new tab)
Respiratory infections & airway health	Do this	Moderate	Cohort / observational	Indoor air pollution/biomass smoke compromises lung defences and low absolute humidity drives seasonal influenza; ventilation lowers transmission.	Inflammation & pneumonia review (PMC6221464); absolute humidity & influenza (Am J Med 2021) (opens in a new tab)

The Healthspan Map is part of Fix the Floor, a book by Aamir Malik. About the book