people spend about 90% time indoors. Smoke-filled skies and hay fever dominate the news cycle, but indoor air pollution is just as important and often much harder to avoid. Smoke, steam, and mold all affect indoor air quality and can lead to long-term health effects.
So what is indoor air pollution, how does it affect you, and how can you improve the indoor air quality of your home? Boston home,or Apartment in Round Rock, Texasread on to find out more.
What is indoor air pollution?
indoor air pollution is the air from indoor or outdoor source It is usually caused by airborne chemicals, particles, bacteria and viruses. Many of these contaminants are found in everyday items and chemicals, making them difficult to avoid.
In addition, outdoor air pollutants often leak indoors, affecting indoor air quality. Environmentally friendly and energy efficient housing may offer some protection. These homes often use high-quality building materials, superior insulation, and modern HVAC systems that can reduce and eliminate chemicals and particulates. However, there is no perfect solution.
Indoor air pollution can cause mild to severe health effects that can last from a day to a lifetime. Some symptoms, such as headaches and runny nose, appear after short exposure to contamination. Others emerge after years of exposure.
What Causes Indoor Air Pollution?
indoor air pollution biological and chemical sourcesLet’s break these down:
Sources of biological indoor air pollution |
|
| type | animal dander and saliva |
| bacteria | tick |
| virus | bed bugs |
| pollen | Insect waste |
Sources of chemical indoor air pollution |
|
| Carbon monoxide | lead |
| carbon dioxide | arsenic |
| Ozone (residual) | cigarette smoke |
| Radon (residual) | asbestos |
| pesticide | Volatile organic compounds (VOC) |
Other factors to consider
The level of indoor air pollution varies greatly depending on where you live. If you live near a large industrial area, you are likely to experience higher levels of residual air pollution compared to those living on waterside hilltops.
because air pollution and economy is associated, studies show that people with lower incomes are exposed to more pollution. Additionally, older homes with poor insulation and inefficient appliances are often polluted.
Finally, temperature, humidity, and humidity can affect the severity of air pollutants. For example, higher temperatures can increase levels of allergens, especially bacteria and pollen, in the air outside, allowing them to enter your home. and create a favorable environment for dust mites.
What are VOCs?
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a large group of chemicals found in many everyday products. VOCs slowly release harmful gases (“off-gassing”) that can cause serious adverse health effects, including long-term illnesses such as cancer and other chronic diseases. Many VOCs appear in higher concentrations (up to 5 times higher) indoors than outdoors, no matter where you live.
Common VOCs |
|
| benzene | Tetrachloroethylene |
| ethylene glycol | toluene |
| formaldehyde | xylene |
| methylene chloride | 1,3-butadiene |
| PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl) | |
Unfortunately, avoiding contact with VOCs is nearly impossible. Your best option is to increase ventilation, limit exposure, and store unused chemicals and hazardous products outdoors or in confined areas. Choose products made from natural materials.
Common products containing VOCs |
|
| office equipment | Ink, toner, printer, copy machine, copy paper, glue, permanent marker |
| building materials | Patches, varnishes, adhesives, composite wood products, upholstery, foams, refrigerants, carpets, vinyl |
| daily necessities | Various clothing (especially waterproof clothing), cosmetics, air fresheners, cooling agents |
| petroleum products | gasoline, petroleum and many plastics |
Effects of indoor air pollution
Poor indoor air quality numerous health problemsThese include short-term and long-term effects such as:
- eye, nose and throat irritation.
- Headache. Fatigue. Dizziness.
- Cancer, respiratory disease, pneumonia, heart disease.
- Mild and severe asthma triggers.
The most common indoor air pollutants that cause adverse health effects are radon, carbon monoxide, Legionella bacteria, cigarette smoke and particulates.
Correlations between pollutants and impacts are difficult to prove and many are understudied. Best practice is to limit exposure to as many contaminants as possible and seek treatment when you start to feel the effects.
Air Pollution in Your Home: A Room-by-Room Analysis
Common contaminants flow throughout the home and vary from room to room. For example, mold grows faster in attics and bathrooms, kitchens are prone to gas leaks, and rooms with poor circulation can increase bacterial levels.
Unfortunately, there is no easy way to create a complete air quality sample to determine the number of contaminants in every room in your home. Determining the cause-and-effect relationship between contaminants and impacts is nearly impossible, even with expert testing.
Your best bet is to reduce the number of contaminants in your home. Here’s a room-by-room breakdown of common contaminants.
kitchen
Kitchens are a major source of indoor air pollution. Be especially careful if you have gas stoves, compost bins, or dirty ventilation equipment. gas stove It emits carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide and can leak methane from pipes. Keep your kitchen clean to prevent pests and other insects from building up your home.
attic
People tend to forget their attics, but they can promote a lot of contaminants, especially if they store harmful chemicals. To avoid most risks, keep the humidity below 50%. prevent moisture problems and install ventilation. Additionally, keep your attic clean to prevent pests from entering your home.
toilet
Bathrooms are sources of moisture and mold. Bathrooms usually have vents, but they often get dirty and clogged and can be harmful. Inadequate cleaning and ventilation can also lead to mold and other toxins.
bedroom
Bedrooms are commonly home to dust mites, other parasites, and VOCs. Dust mites live on the old skin of bedding and clothing, so keep your room clean by doing laundry.
garage
Many people store chemical and biological contaminants such as enzymes, paints, and other building materials in their garages. These materials often contain VOCs and release harmful gases into the air.
Also, idle the car outside the garage and keep the garage well ventilated to minimize hazardous emissions.
living and dining area
Note the fireplace, upholstery, and cleaning supplies. Contaminants from a wood stove or fireplace can “backflow” into the living area without a dedicated outdoor air supply. If your living room is in the basement, make sure it is leak free and has good ventilation.
Fireplaces, gas stoves, grills, and space heaters can emit carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. Stay safe by installing a carbon monoxide detector.
outdoor area
Store garden and yard pesticides and fertilizers in your garage or outdoor storeroom to prevent VOCs from spreading into your home. Always wear natural gloves when working with hazardous chemicals such as pesticides. please.
How to improve indoor air quality
What you bring into your home can affect the air quality throughout your home. Here are the steps you can take: Improve indoor air quality:
1. Switch to appliances
Appliances do not emit emissions like methane or CO2. Additionally, eliminating natural gas from your home will help prevent gas leaks.
2. Upgrade your appliances, building materials, and HVAC systems
If you have the budget, one of the best solutions is to update your windows, floors, insulation, especially appliances.
3. Discharge gas appliances outdoors
If you like to cook on your gas stove, make sure the hood vents are exposed. Many stove hoods recirculate the air instead of blowing it out.
4. Don’t burn things indoors
An open flame produces CO2, which affects a person’s lungs. If circumstances permit, refrain from using fireplaces, burning candles, or using lighters.
5. Provide natural ventilation
Open the windows, close the blinds, and place a fan by the window to circulate the air.
6. Install an air purifier with a HEPA filter
Air cleaner You can’t eliminate pollutants, but you can reduce them to safe levels. For best results, choose filters that filter down to 0.3 microns.
7. Buy an indoor air quality monitor
indoor air quality monitor It can detect pollutants ranging from radon to PM2.5. Additionally, downloading the EPA’s Air Quality app can provide early warning of air quality alerts in your area.
8. Replace HVAC and air purifier filters
Change the filter at least every 3 months, depending on the air quality in your area.
9. Clean regularly
Vacuum, dust, wipe and sweep once a week. Do it more often if you have pets, children, or if you have a large home. Pay special attention to porous surfaces such as upholstery and bedding.
10. Switch to Natural Cleaners
Products that are free of artificial preservatives, fragrances, and other harmful chemicals are best. If you must use unhealthy detergents, store them outdoors or in a protected area.
11. Give your pet a bath
pet bathing It may seem like a lot of work, but it’s a proven method to reduce or eliminate pet dander that can exacerbate allergies.
12. Use a doormat
Doormats collect dust and debris from people who enter your home.
13. Choose eco-friendly materials and furniture
Look for eco-friendly building materials such as bamboo or wool upholstery. Unlike polyester and synthetic leather covers, these natural materials do not produce VOCs.
Final Thoughts on Indoor Air Pollution
Indoor air quality is a major health issue with short- and long-term consequences. Unfortunately, many everyday items and materials degrade air quality, making it difficult to eliminate them. However, there are many ways to reduce indoor air pollution. These include regular cleaning, switching to organic and natural cleaners, and installing air filters.
Most importantly, be careful what you bring into your home. Do your research, scrutinize your products, and switch to appliances if possible. This not only improves air quality, but also improves quality of life.
Redfin does not provide medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider if you have any health questions.
