Walk into a big box store on any given day—bright lights, glossy floors, towering shelves, and wide-open aisles filled with everything from televisions to lawn chairs. These places feel modern and clean, almost like miniature cities under one roof. But behind the air-conditioned comfort and freshly stocked inventory is an invisible concern that’s starting to attract attention: indoor air quality.
With more people spending extended time inside these megastores, especially during heatwaves or bad weather, experts are beginning to examine how the design, materials, and operations of big box stores are impacting the air that customers and employees inhale. What’s happening inside these sprawling retail environments might surprise those who assume air pollution is only an outdoor issue.
