Breathe Easy: Reduce Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor air pollution can cause a range of health issues, from eye and throat irritation to asthma, respiratory diseases, and even cancer. The air inside your home can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside, and pollutants can come from a variety of sources, including building materials, cleaning products, gas appliances, and smoking. To improve indoor air quality, it is important to identify the sources of pollution and take steps to reduce or eliminate them. This may include increasing ventilation by opening windows and using fans, improving indoor hygiene by vacuuming and dusting regularly, and investing in air purifiers or dehumidifiers. Additionally, behavioural changes, such as reducing the use of strongly scented products and switching to cleaner fuels and low-emission stoves, can also help reduce indoor air pollution.

Improve ventilation by opening windows and doors

Improving ventilation by opening windows and doors is an effective way to reduce indoor air pollution. This simple method allows fresh outdoor air to enter the home and dilute indoor pollutants, thereby improving indoor air quality.

Natural ventilation, such as opening windows and doors, is a straightforward and cost-effective way to enhance the air quality in your home. It is important to note that this method should be employed when weather and outdoor air quality conditions are favourable. For example, if the pollen count is high or it is too cold, it may be better to keep windows and doors closed.

To further enhance natural ventilation, you can open windows and doors in multiple rooms to create cross-ventilation. This will increase the airflow and improve the exchange of indoor and outdoor air. Additionally, you can use fans to circulate the air and further improve ventilation.

When cooking or performing activities that generate pollutants, such as burning toast or cooking with a gas stove, it is essential to prioritise ventilation. Opening windows and doors during these activities can help to prevent the buildup of pollutants and improve the overall air quality in your home.

While natural ventilation is a simple and effective strategy, it may not be sufficient for households located near significant outdoor pollution sources, such as busy roadways. In such cases, combining natural ventilation with other strategies, such as air purifiers or mechanical ventilation systems, may be necessary to achieve optimal indoor air quality.

Ban smoking indoors

The case for banning smoking indoors is clear and supported by health experts. The American Lung Association, for example, advocates for comprehensive smokefree laws in all 50 states, covering public spaces and workplaces, including restaurants, bars, and casinos.

Health Risks of Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke is a significant health hazard, responsible for around 3,000 lung cancer deaths each year among nonsmokers, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. It is also linked to respiratory issues and heart problems. The US Surgeon General has concluded that separating smokers from nonsmokers, cleaning the air, and ventilating buildings are not sufficient to protect against the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure. Therefore, eliminating smoking indoors is the only way to fully safeguard nonsmokers from its harmful effects.

Strategies for Smoke-Free Environments

To create smoke-free indoor environments, a multi-pronged approach is necessary:

• Government Policies: Local and state governments play a crucial role in enacting and enforcing smoke-free laws. As of June 30, 2024, 28 states, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, the Marshall Islands, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands have 100% smoke-free indoor air laws for bars, restaurants, and worksites. However, there are still 22 states, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Palau that need to implement comprehensive smoke-free legislation.
• Behavioral Changes: Transitioning to clean energy devices and fuels is essential. This includes adopting cleaner technologies for cooking, heating, and lighting, such as low-emission stoves and cleaner fuels. However, behavioral changes related to social and cultural practices are often necessary. For example, opening windows and doors while cooking or cooking outside can help reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.
• Education and Awareness: Supporting necessary changes in cultural habits related to cooking and household energy management requires education and awareness campaigns. The WHO and other organizations can provide guidelines and recommendations to promote the use of clean technologies and fuels.
• Ventilation: While not a standalone solution, proper ventilation can help reduce indoor air pollutants. Natural ventilation, such as opening windows and doors, can improve indoor air quality and moderate temperatures. Mechanical ventilation, such as outdoor air intakes associated with HVAC systems, can also be utilized.
• Air Purifiers: Air purifiers can be beneficial in reducing allergens and pollutants, especially in spaces where individuals with asthma or allergies are present. However, they should be used in conjunction with other measures to remove the source of pollutants.

Use an air purifier

Using an air purifier is a great way to improve indoor air quality. While an air purifier alone won't remove all indoor air impurities, it can be an effective tool to reduce allergens and other pollutants. Air purifiers are particularly beneficial for individuals with allergies or asthma, as they can lessen triggers such as dust, smoke, pollen, and animal dander.

When choosing an air purifier, it's important to consider your specific needs. Different air purifiers cater to different requirements, so it's essential to match the purifier to your goals. For example, if you want to target gaseous pollutants, HEPA air purifiers are recommended, while for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), you should check the product packaging to ensure the purifier is designed to filter VOCs effectively.

Additionally, the long-term performance of an air purifier depends on proper maintenance. Follow the manufacturer's directions for cleaning and replacing filters to ensure optimal performance. It's also worth noting that air purifiers are most effective when used in conjunction with other strategies, such as improving ventilation and eliminating pollution sources. Opening windows, using exhaust fans, and maintaining HVAC systems are simple ways to improve ventilation and indoor air quality.

However, it's important to be cautious when using portable air purifiers, as they may not effectively remove larger, heavier allergens, such as dust mites and pollen, that settle quickly. Table-top air purifiers may also struggle with strong nearby pollution sources. Therefore, it's crucial to address the source of contaminants, improve ventilation, and use effective air-cleaning methods, such as HEPA filters, to ensure the best results.

In summary, air purifiers can be a valuable tool in improving indoor air quality, especially when used alongside other strategies. By choosing the right purifier for your needs and maintaining it properly, you can effectively reduce allergens and pollutants, creating a healthier indoor environment.

Clean regularly to reduce dust and pet dander

Keeping your home clean is one of the best ways to reduce dust and pet dander. Pet dander is caused by dead skin cells that are shed by animals with skin and fur. This can be a problem for people with allergies or asthma, as it can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues.

To reduce dust and pet dander, it is important to establish a regular cleaning routine. This includes vacuuming carpets, furniture, and curtains to remove pet hair and dander. Use specialist brushes and vacuum attachments to effectively lift hair and dirt from various surfaces. For furniture, a slightly damp rubber glove can be used to lift pet hair off fabric-covered surfaces.

It is also beneficial to declutter your space, as pet dander can stick to surfaces, including walls, and having fewer items will make it easier to clean. Regularly bathing your pets will also help, as this washes away excess dander, preventing it from ending up in the air or on surfaces in your home.

In addition to regular cleaning, investing in an air purifier with a HEPA filter can help to remove dust and pet dander from the air. These filters are designed to effectively capture tiny particles, improving the air quality in your home.

Use cleaner fuels and low-emission stoves

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 2.1 billion people worldwide cook using inefficient stoves fuelled by kerosene, biomass (wood, animal dung, and crop waste), and coal. These polluting fuels and stoves are major sources of indoor air pollution, which disproportionately affects women and children, who are typically responsible for household chores such as cooking and collecting firewood.

To address this issue, WHO has issued guidelines for indoor air quality and household fuel combustion, recommending the use of cleaner fuels and low-emission stoves. Here are some ways to implement this strategy:

Cleaner Fuels

According to WHO, cleaner fuels include solar, electricity, biogas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, and alcohol fuels. These fuels minimize the health risks associated with indoor air pollution. For example, biogas, electricity, ethanol, LPG, and natural gas are cleaner-burning fuels that can replace polluting open fires and inefficient biomass stoves.

Low-Emission Stoves

Low-emission biomass stoves with features such as secondary combustion, insulated combustion chambers, and fans can significantly improve combustion efficiency and reduce emissions. While not all "improved" biomass stoves meet WHO guidelines, they can still serve as an important transitional technology. Electric stoves, including lower-cost induction cookers, are also a clean option, provided the electricity supply is adequate, reliable, and affordable. In communities with ample wind or sunlight, solar stoves and micro-grids or home systems using photovoltaic solar or wind energy can be utilized for cooking and powering electrical lights or small appliances.

Access and Adoption

To facilitate the transition to cleaner fuels and stoves, effective policies are necessary. These policies can provide financial support for households to purchase improved energy devices or clean fuels, and encourage the manufacture and distribution of clean household energy options. Additionally, behaviour changes related to social and cultural practices are often needed when transitioning to clean energy devices. Education and awareness-raising campaigns can play a crucial role in promoting the necessary changes in cooking habits and household energy management.

Frequently asked questions