Monitoring Air Quality: Simple Home Checks For Pollution

Air pollution is a serious issue that can pose a major threat to human health, from mental health and childhood development to heart disease and even cancer. While it may be easy to ignore, the air inside your home can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside. The good news is that there are many ways to check and improve your home's air quality. From low-cost air pollution monitors and sensors to sealing cracks and installing vents and fans, you can take control of the air you breathe and create a healthier living space for yourself and your family.

Air quality monitors/sensors

Air quality monitors, or sensors, are devices that can be used to detect, monitor, and report on specific air pollutants, such as particulate matter, and environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity. They can be a great way to check for air pollution at home and can provide useful insights to improve your home's air quality.

There are various types of air quality monitors available, from low-cost consumer options to more expensive professional-grade devices. Low-cost air quality monitors, typically priced under $300, are less accurate and not easily calibrated. They may not detect all types of pollutants, especially those present in very low concentrations, and their VOC sensors may only last for six months to a year. However, they are still useful for detecting invisible particles and contaminants in the air, such as particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM10) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These sensors use light scattering technology to detect fine particulate matter.

Some recommended low-cost air quality monitors include the Govee Smart Air Quality Monitor, which is easy to use and pair with its app, and the Qingping Air Monitor, which has a high-quality, intuitive touchscreen and a responsive support team. The Qingping Air Monitor Lite is a smaller, more compact version that is also affordable, although it lacks a VOC sensor.

For those seeking a more advanced air quality monitor, the AirGradient ONE uses high-quality components from trusted manufacturers and has some of the most accurate sensors in its price range. It can be integrated into smart home networks and also comes with a web dashboard. The Aranet 4 is another good option for those specifically wanting to measure carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in their homes. It provides easy-to-read onscreen measurements and alerts, and its app offers seven-day trend monitoring.

When choosing and using an air quality monitor, it is important to consider factors such as the type of sensors used, their accuracy and durability, the manufacturer's instructions, and the overall performance and reliability of the device. Additionally, ensuring regular updates to the device's firmware and app can help maintain accurate data readings.

Radon and other invisible hazards

Radon is a radioactive gas that is invisible, odourless, and harmful. It is produced in the ground from uranium and can seep into homes through cracks in floors, walls, and foundations. Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and is particularly dangerous for those who smoke tobacco. It is essential to test for radon, as it is invisible and cannot be detected otherwise. Some local, county, or state programs offer free radon test kits, and professionals can be hired to mitigate high radon levels.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is another invisible, odourless, and deadly gas. CO alarms and smoke detectors are essential safety devices in every home, alerting you to the presence of these dangerous gases. These devices can be lifesaving and should be certified to the latest standards.

Other invisible hazards include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are gases emitted from household products like paints, cleaners, and furniture. These can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as more severe issues like headaches, nausea, and damage to vital organs.

While radon and CO are the most critical invisible hazards, other pollutants like particulate matter (PM) and ozone can also negatively impact your health. PM includes tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and even long-term conditions like asthma and chronic bronchitis.

To protect yourself from these invisible hazards, a combination of monitoring devices, ventilation, and professional assistance may be required. Monitoring devices can help detect and manage indoor air quality, but they may not capture all pollutants, especially those present in very low concentrations. Regular ventilation and seeking professional guidance for more complex situations are crucial steps in maintaining a healthy home environment.

Particulate matter

There are several methods to measure particulate matter, including federal reference methods (FRMs), federal equivalent methods (FEMs), and low-cost sensors. FRMs are considered the gold standard for measuring PM and involve collecting particles on filters, weighing them, and then analyzing them in a lab. This method is accurate but also expensive and labor-intensive. FEMs, such as Beta Attenuation Monitors (BAMs), are similar but less standardized, as they refer to a variety of methods for collecting air pollutant data. While FEMs may be less expensive and labor-intensive than FRMs, they are still not easily accessible to individuals.

Low-cost sensors, on the other hand, are becoming an increasingly popular option for monitoring particulate matter. These sensors are much more affordable than FRMs or FEMs, making them more attainable for individuals. Additionally, because there are more low-cost sensors deployed, you are more likely to find one near you that can provide hyper-local air-quality readings. However, it is important to note that low-cost sensors may not be as accurate as FRMs or FEMs, and there can be variations in data collection methods even when monitoring a single pollutant like PM.

To address particulate matter from outdoors, such as smoke, pollen, or exhaust, it is recommended to close windows and doors, use air purifiers, and install medium-MERV HVAC filters. If you are concerned about indoor sources of particulate matter, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), you may need to briefly open windows and doors to ventilate the space while also using air purifiers or HVAC filters.

By understanding the different methods for measuring particulate matter and taking appropriate actions to improve indoor air quality, you can reduce your exposure to PM and create a healthier living environment.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

The concentration of VOCs indoors can be up to ten times higher than outdoors. This is due to the widespread use of products containing VOCs in enclosed spaces. Inadequate ventilation can further contribute to higher indoor concentrations. Prolonged exposure to VOCs can lead to serious health issues, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Long-term exposure to certain VOCs has been linked to liver and kidney damage, central nervous system issues, and even cancer.

To reduce exposure to VOCs, there are several measures that can be implemented:

• Increase ventilation by opening windows and using fans to pull indoor air outside, especially when using products with high VOC content.
• Let new products, such as carpets or furniture, air outside before installing them indoors.
• Avoid or limit the use of products with harmful ingredients. Opt for low-VOC or VOC-free alternatives whenever possible.
• Properly dispose of unwanted products containing VOCs to prevent their release into the environment.
• Ensure that ventilation systems in offices, schools, and other buildings are functioning effectively to reduce VOCs produced by equipment such as printers or copiers.

To monitor VOC levels at home, you can use low-cost air pollution monitors or air quality sensors. These devices can help detect and measure VOC concentrations, providing valuable data for improving indoor air quality. However, it is important to choose a reliable brand and follow the manufacturer's instructions for calibration and maintenance to ensure accurate readings. Additionally, apps like AirNow can provide information about your local Air Quality Index (AQI), helping you understand the overall air quality in your area.

Improving air quality at home

Improving the air quality in your home is important for your health and can lower your risk of developing health conditions. The air indoors can be up to 5 to 100 times more polluted than the air outside, especially if your house is well-sealed and lacks proper ventilation.

Increase Ventilation

Opening windows and doors to let fresh air in and pollutants out is a simple and cost-free way to improve indoor air quality. Natural ventilation can help reduce pollutants that are indoors and improve indoor air temperature. However, if you live near a busy road, factory, or other sources of outdoor air pollution, opening windows and doors may not be advisable. In such cases, using an air purifier or HVAC filters can help improve indoor air quality.

Seal or Enclose Sources of Pollution

For most indoor air quality problems, source control is the most effective solution. Identify and eliminate individual sources of pollution or reduce their emissions. For example, seal sources that contain asbestos or radon to prevent them from leaking into your living space.

Improve Airflow

Ensure that any air ducts in your home are clean and unobstructed, as dust can build up over time. Check the filters in appliances that bring air into your home, such as air conditioners, and change them according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Use Air Purifiers

Bringing an air purifier into your home is an effective way to keep your air cleaner. Look for air purifiers with high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filters, as they are best at removing harmful particles.

Regular Cleaning

Dust and vacuum regularly with a microfiber cloth or damp cloth to reduce dust mites, dead skin cells, and other allergens.

Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Install working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home to monitor and alert you to potentially dangerous levels of these gases. Test the detectors and change the batteries annually.

Frequently asked questions