How Indoor Air Pollution Can Be Deadly

Indoor air can be up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This is a pressing issue as people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors.

Indoor air pollution is caused by the release of harmful pollutants, including fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other toxins. Some sources of indoor air pollution are obvious, such as tobacco smoke, while others go undetected. In developing countries, the indoor burning of solid fuels like wood, coal, and dung is a significant contributor. Energy-efficient homes can also be problematic as they tend to be relatively airtight, causing the air inside to become stagnant and pollutant levels to rise.

The health effects of indoor air pollution are wide-ranging and can be severe. Those most susceptible to adverse effects, such as the very young, older adults, and people with cardiovascular or respiratory disease, are at particular risk as they tend to spend more time indoors. Health issues linked to indoor air pollution include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer.

Taking steps to improve indoor air quality is crucial to protecting health. Proper ventilation is key, as it helps remove polluted air and replace it with fresh, clean air from outside. Additionally, choosing low-emitting building materials and furnishings, using natural cleaning products, and keeping indoor spaces clean and dry can help reduce indoor air pollution levels.

Indoor air pollution can be up to 100 times more harmful than outdoor air pollution

Indoor Air Pollution: A Hidden Danger

We often associate air pollution with outdoor sources such as car emissions and industrial smokestacks. However, the air inside our homes, workplaces, and schools can be even more harmful to our health. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollutant levels can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels, and in some cases, they can exceed 100 times that of outdoor levels. This is a pressing issue, given that Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors.

Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor air pollution arises from various sources, some of which are obvious due to their smell, while others go undetected. One of the most common and dangerous indoor air pollutants is tobacco smoke, which contains over 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 known carcinogens. Secondhand smoke exposure is estimated to cause about 7,300 lung cancer deaths in non-smoking adults in the United States annually.

Another significant source of indoor air pollution is particulate matter (PM) from cooking stoves, particularly in developing countries where solid fuels like wood, coal, and dung are burned indoors for cooking and heating. Exposure to high levels of PM has been linked to respiratory infections, asthma, heart disease, and cancer. Additionally, the chemicals in many cleaning products release toxic fumes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause respiratory infections, asthma, and even cancer when inhaled.

Other common indoor air pollutants include mould, pet dander, radon, lead, asbestos, and biological agents such as dust mites and cockroach allergens. These pollutants can have severe health impacts, especially on vulnerable groups such as the young, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.

Reducing Indoor Air Pollution

While indoor air pollution may seem like an intractable problem, there are several ways to mitigate it:

• Ensure proper ventilation: Adequate ventilation is crucial to removing polluted indoor air and replacing it with fresh, clean air from outside. This is especially important in energy-efficient homes that tend to be more airtight, as pollutants can quickly build up to dangerous levels.
• Use air purifiers and filters: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can effectively remove pollutants like mould spores, pet dander, dust mites, and tobacco smoke. These filters can be used in vacuums, air purifiers, and heating and air conditioning systems.
• Choose green cleaning products: Opt for natural cleaning ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, borax, citrus fruit, and essential oils instead of conventional cleaning products that contain harmful chemicals.
• Maintain clean and dry indoor spaces: Keeping your home clean and dry, especially in areas prone to mould and mildew like kitchens and bathrooms, can help reduce indoor air pollution.
• Bring nature indoors: Indoor plants can purify the air by absorbing contaminants and releasing oxygen, while also increasing humidity and reducing dust levels.
• Select low-emitting building materials: When building or renovating, choose materials and furnishings that emit lower levels of VOCs, such as bamboo and wool carpets.
• Improve ventilation in energy-efficient homes: Energy-efficient homes that lack sufficient mechanical ventilation can suffer from poor indoor air quality. Ensure your home has proper ventilation systems or increase natural ventilation by opening windows and doors.

By taking these steps, we can significantly improve the air quality in our indoor spaces and reduce the health risks associated with indoor air pollution.

In 2020, indoor air pollution was linked to approximately 3.2 million deaths globally

Indoor air pollution is a severe issue, causing approximately 3.2 million deaths worldwide in 2020, including 237,000 children under the age of five. This is a significant problem in developing countries, where solid fuels like wood, coal, and dung are burned indoors for cooking and heating, releasing harmful pollutants such as fine particulate matter and carbon monoxide. It is also a concern for those living in energy-efficient homes, as the air inside can become stagnant due to the airtight nature of these buildings.

The smoke from tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, is a significant and dangerous source of indoor air pollution. Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, with at least 70 known to be carcinogenic. Inhaling these chemicals can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other cardiovascular issues, resulting in heart attacks and other severe health consequences. Secondhand smoke exposure is estimated to cause about 7,300 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States among non-smoking adults. Some reports even suggest that tobacco smoke creates ten times more air pollution than diesel car exhaust.

Another common source of indoor air pollution is particulate matter from cooking stoves, particularly in developing countries. Exposure to high levels of this particulate matter has been linked to respiratory infections, asthma, heart disease, and cancer. According to the United Nations, indoor air pollution from cooking stoves is responsible for approximately 3.1 million premature deaths annually, primarily affecting women and children.

The chemicals in cleaning products also contribute to indoor air pollution. These products release toxic fumes that can be harmful when inhaled, and some have been associated with respiratory infections, asthma, and cancer. Many cleaning agents contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are gases that can easily evaporate at room temperature. When released into the air, VOCs can cause short- and long-term health issues such as headaches, nausea, and damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.

Mould is another indoor air pollutant that can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory infections, asthma, and allergies. It thrives in damp and humid environments and can be found on walls, floors, ceilings, and in basements. For those with weakened immune systems or pre-existing conditions like asthma or allergies, mould exposure can exacerbate illnesses and trigger serious respiratory infections.

Pet dander, found in the fur, skin, and saliva of most animals with fur, is another common source of indoor air pollution. When released into the air, pet dander can be inhaled and cause respiratory issues such as asthma attacks, hay fever, and allergies.

Dust is a significant contributor to poor indoor air quality, as it contains allergen sources and airborne pollutants that can negatively affect health. Microscopic particles in dust, such as dust mites, mould spores, and pet dander, can worsen existing respiratory conditions and contribute to other health issues.

As people spend more time indoors, whether at home, work, or school, addressing indoor air pollution becomes increasingly crucial. Proper ventilation is one of the main ways to reduce indoor air pollution, as it helps remove polluted air and replace it with fresh, clean air from outside. Inadequate ventilation can lead to a dangerous buildup of pollutants and carbon dioxide, resulting in health issues such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.

Indoor air pollution is a particular concern for people living in energy-efficient homes

Energy-efficient homes are designed to be relatively airtight to conserve energy. However, this can lead to a build-up of indoor air pollutants, as fresh air from outside is unable to enter and circulate. This is a particular concern for people living in energy-efficient homes, as they may be exposed to high levels of indoor air pollution for long periods.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified indoor air pollution as a significant health risk, with over 3 million deaths

Tobacco smoke is one of the most common and dangerous indoor air pollutants