How Much Air Do We Breathe in a Day?

We Breathe More Air Than Most People Realize

On average, we breathe about 20 times per minute and take in roughly 0.5 liters of air with each breath. Over the course of a day, that adds up to approximately 28,800 breaths and about 14,400 liters of air. In terms of weight, this is equivalent to roughly 20 kilograms. Breathing is something we rarely notice, but our bodies take in an enormous amount of air every day.

Most of Our Day Is Spent Indoors

In modern life, much of our day is spent indoors—whether working, sleeping, or going about our daily routines. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), people in the United States spend about 90% of their time indoors. As a result, the air we breathe is often influenced more by indoor environments than by outdoor conditions. Reviewing the air quality in the places where we spend the most time can be an important first step toward a healthier lifestyle.

Source: US Environmental Protection Agency「Indoor Air Quality」
https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/indoor-air-quality

How Air Quality Affects Our Health

The quality of the air we breathe can influence both our health and daily activities.
For example, rising carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels have been linked to potential effects on concentration and overall comfort. Indoor pollutants such as dust, allergens, and chemical substances have also been associated with potential health risks. At Daikin, we focus on these aspects of air quality and continue to advance research and development aimed at creating healthier indoor environments. For example, we are advancing research and development that incorporates insights from neuroscience to better understand how factors such as CO₂ levels in the air, as well as temperature and humidity, affect concentration and feelings of fatigue.