Indoor Air Quality: Detecting High Pollution Levels At Home

The air inside our homes, offices and other buildings can be more polluted than the air outside. In fact, research shows that 96% of homes have at least one type of indoor air quality issue. Common indoor air pollutants include radon, smoke, lead dust, carbon monoxide, mould, volatile organic compounds and allergens and irritants such as dust, pollen, mould spores and pet dander. Poor ventilation can lead to increases in indoor air pollution, as it prevents fresh air from circulating and diluting pollutants.

The use of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters on HVAC systems can help reduce household air pollution

There are several ways to tell whether your house has high levels of indoor pollution. Human activities can be significant sources of indoor air pollution. For example, cooking and blow-drying your hair can cause problems. Research shows 96% of homes have at least one type of indoor air quality issue.

You can also look for signs of problems with the ventilation in your home. Signs that can indicate your home may not have enough ventilation include moisture condensation on windows or walls, smelly or stuffy air, dirty central heating and air cooling equipment, and areas where books, shoes, or other items become mouldy.

High levels of indoor air pollutants can impact your health. Some sources such as building materials and furnishings may release pollutants continuously.

Regular cleaning of indoor spaces by vacuuming or mopping can remove less hazardous pollutants

There are several ways to tell if a house has high indoor pollution. Firstly, you can look at your lifestyle and activities as human activities can be significant sources of indoor air pollution. You can also look for signs of problems with the ventilation in your home, such as moisture condensation on windows or walls, smelly or stuffy air, dirty central heating and air cooling equipment, and mouldy areas. Another way to detect odours in your home is to step outside for a few minutes and then re-enter, noting whether any smells are noticeable.

Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out of the home. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants. Outdoor air can enter and leave a building by infiltration, natural ventilation, and mechanical ventilation.

To maintain good indoor air quality and prevent high indoor pollution, regular cleaning of indoor spaces by vacuuming or mopping can remove less hazardous pollutants. This is especially important if you spend a lot of time inside, as this can increase your exposure to household air pollution. By regularly cleaning and maintaining your indoor spaces, you can help reduce the build-up of pollutants and improve the overall air quality in your home.

Pets such as cats and dogs release dander, urine, and faeces, which can cause allergic reactions when inhaled or come into contact with the skin

There are many ways to tell if a house has high levels of indoor pollution. Poor ventilation, high humidity, and indoor temperature can all contribute to indoor air pollution. Human activities can also be significant sources of indoor air pollution.

Pets such as cats and dogs can also contribute to indoor air pollution. They can release dander, urine, and faeces, which can cause allergic reactions when inhaled or come into contact with the skin. Pet dander, or dead skin flakes, is a common allergen that can trigger reactions and respiratory issues. It is small, lightweight, and can become airborne, remaining suspended in the air for several hours before settling on surfaces. Pet dander can cause allergic reactions or asthma symptoms in some people.

Cats may also lick themselves, releasing ammonia and other compounds into the air. Cat litter can also be a source of indoor air pollution, as some litter products produce dust that can irritate the respiratory system. Additionally, pets can bring in outdoor pollutants like pollen and mould spores on their fur and paws, impacting indoor air quality.

To minimise the effects of pet-related pollutants, proper care and maintenance are essential. Regular grooming, wiping their paws after outdoor activities, and keeping your home clean can help reduce the presence of pet-related pollutants.

Houseplants may help remove indoor air pollutants, although this is debated

There are several ways to tell if your house has high levels of indoor pollution. Firstly, consider your lifestyle and activities. Human activities can be a significant source of indoor air pollution. You should also look for signs of poor ventilation, such as moisture condensation on windows or walls, smelly or stuffy air, dirty central heating and air cooling equipment, and mouldy items. High temperatures and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants.

Another factor that can affect indoor air quality is the construction of the building. Buildings designed to minimise the amount of outdoor air that can "leak" in and out may have higher indoor pollutant levels. This is because they do not bring in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources or carry indoor air pollutants out of the home.

Houseplants may help to remove indoor air pollutants, although this is debated. Research has found that houseplants can potentially remove VOCs and other indoor air pollutants. The most effective VOC-scrubbing plant was found to be the bromeliad, which removed more than 80% of the pollutants over a 12-hour period. Other plants that are said to improve air quality include philodendrons, which remove formaldehyde gases from the air, and English ivy, which removes most pollutants, including benzene. However, one source states that the belief that plants clean indoor air is a myth, and that houseplants do not improve air quality.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) provide guidance on reducing indoor air pollution

You can tell whether a house has high indoor pollution by looking at your lifestyle and activities. Human activities can be significant sources of indoor air pollution. Look for signs of problems with the ventilation in your home, such as moisture condensation on windows or walls, smelly or stuffy air, dirty central heating and air cooling equipment, and areas where items become mouldy. Cooking and blow-drying your hair can also cause problems.

The EPA and CPSC also provide contact information for assistance and guidance in dealing with known or suspected adverse effects of indoor air pollution. You can contact the EPA regional offices, state and local departments of health and environmental quality, and your local American Lung Association. For information on particular product hazards, you can contact the CPSC. Individual manufacturers and trade associations may also supply pertinent information. For information about the regulation of specific pollutants, you can call the EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Assistance Information Service. For information relating to occupational exposures, you can contact the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.

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