Kiera Jefferson
Indoor air pollution is a serious issue, causing over 3 million deaths per year, according to the World Health Organization. Many indoor pollutants are harmful to human health, causing eye and throat irritation, asthma, and even cancer. As people spend most of their time indoors, it is important to reduce exposure to indoor air pollution. The first step is to identify the sources of indoor pollution, which can include cigarette smoke, harsh cleaning products, and gas appliances. To improve indoor air quality, it is recommended to increase ventilation by opening windows and using fans, as well as using air purifiers and indoor plants to absorb contaminants.
How to eliminate indoor pollutants
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Identify the source of pollution | Remove the source of pollution |
| Ventilation | Open windows and doors, operate fans, or use air conditioners to increase the ventilation rate |
| Natural ventilation | Open windows and doors to increase air movement |
| Mechanical ventilation | Use energy-efficient heat recovery ventilators or a whole-house ventilation system |
| Air purifiers | Choose the right size and CADR rating for the room |
| Avoid pollutants | Store chemicals safely, use natural cleaning products, and avoid scented cleaning products and fragrances |
| Minimize carpeting | Choose hard-surface flooring to reduce the trapping of pollutants |
| Houseplants | Keep indoor plants to absorb contaminants and increase humidity |
| Building materials | Choose low-emitting building materials and furnishings that emit lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) |
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What You'll Learn
Use natural ventilation by opening windows and doors
Natural ventilation is a simple and effective way to improve indoor air quality and reduce indoor pollutants. It is the process of opening windows and doors to allow fresh air to enter a home and indoor air to leave. This exchange of air dilutes indoor pollutants and reduces humidity, which can build up in homes and be harmful to health.
Opening windows and doors is a good way to increase the ventilation rate and promote a healthy exchange of indoor and outdoor air. This is particularly important when engaging in activities that generate high levels of pollutants, such as painting, cooking, or welding. It is recommended to open multiple doors and windows to increase the amount of fresh air entering the home. However, it is important to be mindful of outdoor air quality and only open windows and doors when it is safe to do so. If there is poor outdoor air quality, or if there is a risk of young children or pets leaving through open doors, it is advised to keep them closed and use other methods to improve ventilation, such as air filtration or exhaust fans.
The benefits of natural ventilation include its ability to moderate indoor air temperature, especially in homes without air-conditioning systems. It is also a cost-efficient way to improve indoor air quality, as it does not require the use of mechanical systems or increased energy costs. However, it is important to note that natural ventilation alone may not be sufficient to address high levels of indoor air pollution. Pairing natural ventilation with other methods, such as source control and air cleaning, can be more effective in reducing indoor pollutants.
Natural ventilation can be enhanced by using fans, such as ceiling fans or window fans, to improve airflow and pull air out of the room. Local bathroom or kitchen fans that exhaust outdoors can also be used to remove contaminants directly from the room and increase the outdoor air ventilation rate. Additionally, advanced home designs are starting to incorporate mechanical systems that bring outdoor air into the home, such as energy-efficient heat recovery ventilators, which can further improve indoor air quality.
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Avoid scented cleaning products and fragrances
Keeping your home clean is one of the most important ways to ensure healthy indoor air quality. However, some cleaning products and air fresheners may increase indoor air pollution. Many cleaning products contain harmful chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and headaches. Even natural fragrances like citrus can react with other chemicals in the air to produce dangerous indoor pollutants.
To reduce indoor air pollution, avoid using scented cleaning products and fragrances altogether. Manufacturers are not required by U.S. law to list all ingredients in consumer products, and products labelled as "green" may not necessarily be safer. Instead, opt for fragrance-free alternatives or make your own cleaning products using natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and water.
When choosing cleaning products, read the labels carefully and select those with reduced or no VOCs, fragrances, irritants, and flammable ingredients. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a list of products that meet its Safer Choice requirements, including cleaning products for the home and vehicles. Using simple ingredients like warm water and soap can also be effective for cleaning, especially at home.
In addition to avoiding scented cleaning products, it is important to address other sources of indoor air pollution. This includes adequate ventilation by opening windows and using fans to promote the circulation of fresh outdoor air. Minimizing carpeted areas, as they can trap pollutants, and storing chemicals like solvents and pesticides away from living areas are also recommended. By taking these steps, you can effectively reduce indoor air pollution and improve the air quality in your home.
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Ban smoking indoors
Smoking tobacco is a major source of indoor air pollution. Secondhand smoke is a known cause of cancer and other lethal diseases, and is responsible for about 3,000 lung cancer deaths per year in non-smokers. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, secondhand smoke impairs respiratory health.
Given the health risks associated with secondhand smoke, banning smoking indoors is a crucial step towards eliminating indoor air pollution. This includes not only banning smoking in public indoor spaces but also in private residences.
In recent years, there has been a growing global movement towards smoke-free policies. Countries such as Ireland, Norway, New Zealand, Uruguay, Italy, and Sweden have implemented comprehensive smoking bans in public places, including restaurants and bars. These bans have been shown to substantially improve indoor air quality and reduce respirable suspended particle (RSP) levels. For example, a study by Clancy and colleagues found that indoor air contaminants in Irish pubs decreased significantly after the country's smoking ban was enacted.
In addition to improving air quality, smoking bans can also have economic benefits. More than 20 studies have shown that smoke-free policies do not negatively impact the hospitality industry, and in some cases, businesses may even prosper due to increased patronage from non-smokers.
Therefore, banning smoking indoors is an effective way to reduce indoor air pollution, protect public health, and promote a cleaner, healthier environment for all.
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Try an air purifier
While an air purifier alone won't remove all indoor air impurities, it can be a great way to reduce allergens and other pollutants in your home. Air purifiers are particularly beneficial for those suffering from allergies or asthma.
When choosing an air purifier, it's important to consider the room size, certifications, ratings, and filters. The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is another key factor, as it measures the volume of air purified in a set amount of time. Some air purifiers use HEPA filters, which are highly effective at capturing pollutants. Other features to look out for include air quality sensors, adjustable fan speeds, display shutoff options, child locks, and energy efficiency.
There are several well-reviewed air purifiers on the market, such as the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty, which reduced smoke pollution by 99.6% in a test space. The Winix 5500-2 is another top performer, capturing 99.9% of smoke in a test room in 30 minutes. For larger spaces, the Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max is a good option, reducing smoke levels by more than 99.9%. The Alen Air BreatheSmart 75i is an excellent choice for allergen removal, and the LEVOIT Core 400S Air Purifier offers a quiet sleep mode for those who are noise-sensitive.
It's worth noting that some air purifiers with UV lights may emit ozone, so it's important to check for proper lamp coatings. Additionally, while air purifiers can improve indoor air quality, they do not impact humidity levels.
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Choose hard-surface flooring over carpeting
Carpeting can trap pollutants such as dust mites, pet dander, mould spores, and other dirt and dust. Therefore, it is advisable to choose hard-surface flooring over carpeting. Hard-surface flooring is easier to clean and maintain, and it does not provide the same level of harbour for allergens and pollutants as carpeting.
Hard-surface flooring options include wood, tile, linoleum, and vinyl. These surfaces can be swept, vacuumed, or mopped to remove allergens and pollutants effectively. They do not have the same fibres as carpets, which trap and hold onto particles, making them more challenging to remove.
When selecting hard-surface flooring, consider options that are easy to clean and maintain. Smooth surfaces with minimal grooves or indentations are ideal, as they provide fewer places for allergens and pollutants to accumulate. Additionally, choose flooring made from natural or low-emission materials to further reduce potential indoor pollutants.
If removing existing carpeting, ensure the process is done carefully to avoid releasing trapped pollutants into the air. Vacuuming and cleaning the carpet before removal can help minimise the disturbance of particles. After removal, clean the underlying floor and allow adequate ventilation during and after the process.
Overall, opting for hard-surface flooring is a wise choice for improving indoor air quality and creating a healthier living environment, especially for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to eliminate indoor pollutants is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. This can be done by:
- Keeping windows open to ventilate your home with outdoor air.
- Avoiding the use of harsh household cleaning products, fragrances, and scented candles.
- Using natural cleaning supplies.
- Minimising the use of carpets and opting for hard-surface flooring.
- Storing chemicals like solvents, glue, and pesticides away from living areas.
Indoor pollution can be caused by:
- Cigarette smoke.
- Electronic cigarettes.
- Harsh household cleaning products.
- Irritating perfumes.
- Scented candles.
- Incense.
- Craft and office supplies, such as paints, glues, and toner ink.
Indoor pollution can have adverse effects on your health, such as:
- Eye and throat irritation.
- Asthma and other respiratory diseases.
- Cancer.
- Worsening of symptoms of asthma and other chronic respiratory problems.
- Irritation of the nose, throat, eyes, and lungs.
When choosing an air purifier, select one that is the right size for the room and has a high CADR rating. The CADR rating indicates the unit's ability to clean the air in a given space.
Keeping indoor plants is an effective way to naturally purify indoor air. Plants help to absorb contaminants and release oxygen, increasing humidity and reducing dust levels. Plants such as English ivy, pothos, bamboo palm, and peace lilies are effective air purifiers.
