Reducing Air Pollution: Simple Home Strategies For Cleaner Air

Air pollution is a serious issue, and it's important to consider how we can improve the air quality in our homes, especially as we spend so much time indoors. There are many simple ways to reduce indoor air pollution, from improving ventilation and using air purifiers to making small changes like vacuuming regularly and using natural cleaning products. This is particularly important for those with allergies or respiratory issues, as indoor air pollution can worsen symptoms and cause long-term health issues.

Ban smoking inside

Smoking inside is a major contributor to indoor air pollution. The gases and particles from cigarette smoke that settle pose health hazards, especially for those with chronic heart and lung problems, children, and even pets. This is known as secondhand and third-hand smoke exposure. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, secondhand smoke is responsible for about 3,000 lung cancer deaths per year in nonsmokers in the United States, with children being especially vulnerable. In 2013-2014, approximately 58 million nonsmoking Americans were exposed to secondhand smoke, and it is estimated that about 14 million US children aged 3-11 years are exposed to it.

The only way to fully protect nonsmokers from secondhand smoke exposure is to eliminate smoking in indoor spaces. Smokefree policies are the most effective way to provide protection and have a high level of public support and compliance. In fact, as of 2024, 28 states and the District of Columbia have passed comprehensive smokefree laws, and many places, such as New York State, have implemented the Clean Indoor Air Act, which prohibits smoking and vaping in most workplaces, including indoors and on the grounds of public transportation areas, schools, hospitals, restaurants, and bars.

In addition to the health risks, cigarette smoke can also cause unpleasant odors and irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. It can settle on fabrics and carpeting, and the residual particles can be difficult to remove. Quitting smoking is the best answer for overall health, but if you or your guests smoke, it is important to do so outdoors and away from windows and doors to minimize the amount of smoke entering the home.

If you are a smoker, consider quitting or switching to alternative methods such as nicotine patches or gum. Provide support and encouragement to family members who smoke, and offer to help them find resources to quit. By banning smoking inside, you will not only improve the air quality in your home but also contribute to a healthier environment for yourself, your family, and your community.

Ventilate your home

Ventilation is key to promoting healthy indoor air. Ventilating your home effectively allows fresh air to enter and pushes dirty air out. This is important because air indoors can build up high levels of moisture (humidity), odours, gases, dust, and other air pollutants that can be harmful to your health.

There are three main types of ventilation: natural ventilation, exhaust-only mechanical ventilation, and supply-only ventilation. Natural ventilation is the most straightforward method and involves opening windows and doors to let fresh air in and stale air out. However, this method is not always suitable, especially if you live in an area with poor air quality, near busy highways, ports, airports, or high-emission factories, or if there is wildfire smoke in the area.

Exhaust-only mechanical ventilation uses small exhaust fans, usually in bathrooms, to continuously or intermittently remove stale air and moisture. This creates a negative pressure that pulls in fresh air through cracks and other air-leakage sites or through strategically placed intentional make-up air inlets. This method is simple and low-cost but can have the disadvantage of pulling in radon and other soil gases.

Supply-only ventilation uses a fan to bring in fresh air, while stale air escapes through cracks and air-leakage sites. The air supply can be delivered to a single location or dispersed through ducts or a forced-air heating system. This method pressurizes a house, preventing radon and other contaminants from entering, but it can force moisture-laden air into wall and ceiling cavities, potentially causing condensation and moisture problems.

To ensure good indoor air quality, enough air needs to be brought in and circulated to reach all areas of the home. The recommended air exchange rate for residential buildings is at least 0.35 air changes of outdoor air for indoor air per hour. Opening your doors and windows for 15 minutes each day is a simple and effective way to increase ventilation. Opening multiple windows and doors at the same time can further improve air circulation.

• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms to remove moisture and gases. Run the fans during and for 30-45 minutes after bathing.
• Install an exhaust fan in the kitchen to remove fumes, airborne particles, and moisture from cooking.
• Use ceiling fans to improve airflow, preferably with windows open.
• If you engage in activities that generate high levels of pollutants, such as painting, hobby crafts, or using chemicals, ensure extra ventilation by opening windows and using a portable window fan to pull the air out of the room.

Use air purifiers

Using Air Purifiers to Reduce Air Pollution at Home

Air purifiers are an effective way to improve indoor air quality and reduce air pollution at home. They are particularly useful for people with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. Here are some tips for using air purifiers to reduce air pollution at home:

Types of Air Purifiers

Air purifiers come in different types, including portable air purifiers and whole-house air purification systems. Portable air purifiers are designed to filter the air in a single room, while whole-house systems are tied into the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a home.

There are also different technologies used in air purifiers, including:

• Filtered air purifiers: These capture airborne pollutants and trap them in one or more filters. They are considered the safest type for home use.
• Electrostatic air purifiers: These create charged particles to trap pollutants in a filter.
• UV light air purifiers: These use UV light to target specific contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria.

Choosing the Right Air Purifier

When choosing an air purifier, it is important to consider your specific needs and goals. Some factors to consider include:

• The type and number of filters: Look for air purifiers with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, which can remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns or larger.
• Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR): This is the volume of filtered air an air purifier delivers per unit of time. Choose an air purifier with a CADR that is at least two-thirds of the room's area.
• Targeted pollutants: Different air purifiers are designed to target specific types of pollutants, such as smoke, dust, or pollen. Choose an air purifier that targets the contaminants you want to reduce.
• Room size: Make sure the air purifier is designed for the size of the room where you plan to use it.

Maintaining Your Air Purifier

To ensure optimal performance, it is important to properly maintain your air purifier. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for care and maintenance, including regular replacement of filters. Carbon filters, for example, should be sealed until installed to prolong their lifetime.

Limitations of Air Purifiers

It is important to note that air purifiers cannot eliminate all pollutants from the air. They may be less effective at removing larger particles such as pollen, house dust allergens, mold spores, and animal dander. Additionally, they may not remove gaseous pollutants or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) effectively. As such, air purifiers should be used in conjunction with other strategies to reduce air pollution at home, such as source control and improving ventilation.

Avoid harsh household chemicals

Harsh household chemicals can have a detrimental impact on indoor air quality and your health. Many cleaning supplies contain harmful chemicals that can irritate the eyes, throat, nose, mouth, lungs, and skin. These chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are released into the air and can cause or worsen respiratory issues, allergies, and skin problems.

To reduce indoor air pollution, opt for natural, eco-friendly, and non-toxic cleaning products. Here are some tips to avoid harsh household chemicals:

Opt for Natural and Eco-Friendly Products

Choose cleaning products with plant-based ingredients and certifications indicating a reduced environmental impact. Look for products that are biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals like VOCs, fragrances, irritants, and flammable ingredients. These products are safer for your health and the environment.

Make Your Own Cleaning Products

Creating your own cleaning solutions is easy, cost-effective, and ensures you know exactly what's in them. Common household ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and soap can be used to make effective and non-toxic cleaners. For example, a mixture of vinegar and water can be used to clean glass, while baking soda is great for scrubbing.

Read Labels Carefully

When purchasing cleaning products, read the labels carefully. Avoid products containing VOCs, fragrances, irritants, and flammable ingredients. Be cautious of products labelled as "green" or "natural," as these terms are not always indicative of safety. Do your research and opt for products that meet recognised standards, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Safer Choice requirements.

Improve Ventilation During Use

When using any household chemicals or cleaning products, ensure the area is well-ventilated. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate and minimise the concentration of chemicals in the air. Never use cleaning products in small, enclosed spaces.

Reduce the Number of Cleaning Products

Advertising campaigns may suggest that you need a different product for every surface, but this isn't always necessary. Look for universal cleaners that can effectively clean a variety of surfaces, from smooth and rough to shiny and matte. This will reduce the number of chemicals you introduce into your home.

By following these tips, you can minimise the presence of harsh household chemicals and improve the air quality in your home, creating a healthier environment for you and your family.

Vacuum often

Vacuuming is an essential step in reducing indoor air pollution, but it's important to ensure that your vacuum is not contributing to the problem. Vacuum cleaners can be a source of indoor air pollution, as they can release particulate matter (PM) from the vacuum motor and resuspend settled dust, which then becomes airborne and settles on surfaces. This is especially true for vacuums without a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filter.

To ensure your vacuum is not contributing to poor indoor air quality, it is important to use a vacuum with a properly designed and sealed HEPA filter. HEPA filters can significantly reduce the amount of PM emitted by the vacuum cleaner motor. When shopping for a vacuum, be cautious of products that advertise themselves as HEPA-filtered, as some may not actually have functional filters. To be effective, a HEPA filter must have a perfect seal, preventing air from leaking past the filter and escaping through the exhaust.

If you have a central vacuum cleaning system, which collects dirt and debris from the carpets and floors and deposits the waste into a canister, ensure that it is HEPA-filtered or that the exhaust system is vented outdoors. Otherwise, the exhaust may contain millions of small dust particles that become airborne and settle on surfaces, creating a continuous cycle of dust.

In addition to investing in a vacuum with a HEPA filter, it is important to vacuum frequently to reduce indoor air pollution. Dust and allergens can build up over time, so regular vacuuming can help to remove these particles from your home.

By following these guidelines and choosing the right vacuum, you can make sure that your cleaning efforts are truly improving the air quality in your home.

Frequently asked questions