Improving Indoor Air Quality: Strategies To Reduce Pollution

Indoor air pollution is a serious environmental hazard, and with people spending approximately 90% of their time indoors, it is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. Household air pollution was responsible for an estimated 3.2 million deaths per year in 2020, with women and children bearing the greatest health burden. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued guidelines for indoor air quality, offering evidence-based guidance on clean fuels and technologies. While some sources of indoor air pollution are unavoidable, there are several ways to reduce pollutant levels and improve indoor air quality, such as ensuring proper ventilation, eliminating individual sources of pollution, and using alternative products that are safer for human health and the environment.

Reduce dust and allergens

Dust and allergens are significant contributors to poor indoor air quality. These microscopic particles can contain allergen sources and airborne pollutants that negatively impact health. To reduce dust and allergens, and improve indoor air quality, there are several measures you can take.

Firstly, ensure proper ventilation. Outdoor air can enter and leave a house through infiltration, natural ventilation, and mechanical ventilation. Natural ventilation occurs through opened windows and doors, while infiltration involves air flowing through openings, joints, and cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings. Mechanical ventilation, such as air conditioners, can also help reduce humidity, which in turn decreases dust mites and mould growth.

Secondly, focus on cleaning and reducing allergens in your home. Keep surfaces clean and uncluttered, as allergens can settle onto furniture and floors. Bare floors and walls are best, especially in bedrooms. Avoid wall-to-wall carpets, and if possible, opt for low-pile carpets or washable throw rugs. Use zippered allergen-resistant or plastic covers on pillows, mattresses, and box springs to control dust mites. Wash bedding, uncovered pillows, and stuffed toys in hot water (above 130 degrees Fahrenheit) weekly, and dry them in a hot dryer cycle to kill dust mites.

Additionally, vacuuming once or twice a week can help keep allergens low, but ensure you use a high-quality vacuum to prevent dust from being released back into the air. Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly® vacuums are specifically designed to prevent the release of allergens. If you have allergies, consider wearing a mask while cleaning and use a damp cloth for dusting. Leave the house for several hours after deep cleaning to avoid inhaling disturbed particles.

To further reduce allergens, limit the number of houseplants, as they can contribute to humidity. Fix any leaks or causes of damp areas, and regularly clean and dry surfaces to prevent mould growth. Control cockroaches and avoid leaving food or garbage uncovered. Use poison baits, boric acid, and traps instead of chemicals, as these can irritate sinuses and asthma.

By implementing these measures, you can effectively reduce dust and allergens, creating a healthier indoor environment and improving your overall air quality.

Improve ventilation

Improving ventilation is a critical aspect of reducing indoor air pollution. Here are some ways to enhance ventilation and mitigate indoor air quality issues:

Natural Ventilation

One of the simplest ways to improve indoor air quality is by opening windows and doors to allow for natural ventilation. This method relies on air temperature differences and wind to create airflow, facilitating the removal of indoor pollutants. Natural ventilation is particularly important in areas with high humidity, as it helps to reduce moisture and prevent mould growth.

Mechanical Ventilation

Mechanical means of ventilation, such as outdoor air intakes associated with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, can also improve indoor air quality. These systems are designed to bring outdoor air into the home, diluting and removing indoor pollutants. However, it is important to ensure that HVAC systems are properly maintained, as they can become contaminated and spread pollutants if not regularly cleaned.

Spot Ventilation

Spot ventilation involves using outdoor-vented fans in specific locations that produce high levels of pollutants or moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. These fans help draw out air from a small area, exhausting it directly outside. This type of ventilation is particularly useful for removing contaminants and controlling humidity in targeted areas.

Dilution Ventilation

Dilution ventilation addresses low-level contamination throughout the entire home. By bringing in enough fresh, outdoor air and circulating it effectively, dilution ventilation helps to reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants and improve overall air quality.

Ceiling Fans and Portable Fans

Using ceiling fans, preferably with windows open, can improve airflow within the home. Additionally, portable window fans can be useful when engaging in activities that generate high levels of pollutants, such as painting or using hobby supplies. These fans help pull contaminated air out of the room, improving indoor air quality.

While improving ventilation is a crucial step, it is also important to be mindful of outdoor sources of pollution, such as smoke or nearby industrial activities, that may impact the effectiveness of ventilation in reducing indoor air pollution.

Avoid indoor pollutants

Indoor air pollution is a serious environmental hazard, and with people spending approximately 90% of their time indoors, it is essential to address this issue. The good news is that there are several ways to reduce indoor air pollution and improve the air quality in your home.

One of the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate or reduce individual sources of pollution. For example, certain building materials, such as composite wood, particleboard, and plywood, may release harmful chemicals. When purchasing such materials, look for labels that indicate compliance with relevant regulations, such as California Phase II or TSCA Title VI. Similarly, when buying carpets and related products, opt for those with the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Plus logo.

Another common source of indoor air pollution is the use of solid fuels and inefficient stoves for cooking. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued guidelines recommending against the use of fuels such as kerosene and unprocessed coal. Instead, they suggest using cleaner alternatives like solar, electricity, biogas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, alcohol fuels, and biomass stoves that meet emission targets.

In addition to these sources, indoor air pollution can also be caused by everyday items like cleaning products, air fresheners, and scented candles. These products can release chemicals and particles that contribute to indoor air pollution. To minimize this, opt for cleaning products that are safer for human health and the environment, as indicated by labels such as SaferChoice and GreenSeal. Avoid strongly scented products and those with pine or citrus scents, as these can react with ozone to form harmful particles.

Proper ventilation is critical to improving indoor air quality. Open windows and doors to increase natural ventilation, especially during activities that generate high levels of pollutants, such as painting or cooking. If your home has mechanical ventilation, ensure it is functioning properly and maintained regularly. Consider using fans, such as window or attic fans, to increase the ventilation rate and remove contaminants from the room.

Finally, be mindful of the potential for pollutants to build up in indoor spaces with poor ventilation. If you suspect your indoor air quality is poor, seek advice from your doctor or local health department, who may recommend testing or provide access to professional services for assessment.

Choose clean cooking fuels

Cooking fuels have a significant impact on indoor air pollution. Burning solid fuels like wood, charcoal, coal, dung, and crop residues releases dangerous particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other toxic pollutants. These pollutants can lead to indoor air pollution levels that are much worse than the World Health Organization's (WHO) air quality guidelines.

WHO defines clean cooking fuels as solar, electricity, biogas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, and alcohol fuels. These fuels are recommended because they produce fewer emissions and are less harmful to human health.

One of the most common solid cooking fuels is wood. Wood-burning produces smoke that contains particulate matter, which has been linked to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems and cardiovascular disease. Women and children, who are typically responsible for household chores such as cooking and collecting firewood, bear the greatest health burden from the use of polluting fuels like wood.

Switching to clean cooking fuels such as LPG or natural gas can significantly reduce indoor air pollution levels and improve health outcomes. For example, improved biomass stoves that meet WHO emission targets can reduce emissions by 50-80%, while clean-fuel stoves can reduce emissions by more than 95%. Additionally, clean cooking fuels can improve equality between the sexes, economic opportunities, and quality of life.

However, access to clean cooking fuels and technologies is distributed unevenly across the globe. As of 2022, 2.1 billion people worldwide still lacked access to clean cooking options. This is particularly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, where inefficient and polluting fuels like wood, coal, and kerosene are still widely used.

Monitor indoor air quality

Monitoring indoor air quality is an important step towards improving the air you breathe in your home. While indoor air pollution is often caused by outdoor conditions, there are several ways to monitor and improve your indoor air quality.

Firstly, you can use an indoor air quality monitor. These devices can measure various air quality factors, including CO2, PM2.5, VOCs, radon, humidity, temperature, and air pressure. Some popular options include the Airthings View Plus, the SAF Aranet 4, and the AirVisual Pros. These devices can help you identify sources and patterns of air pollution and take steps to mitigate any issues. There are also some low-cost options available, such as the IKEA Vindriktning, although these may be less accurate.

In addition to using a monitor, you can also take manual steps to assess your indoor air quality. One simple way is to open your windows and doors to increase natural ventilation. This can help reduce indoor pollutants and moderate indoor temperature. However, be mindful of outdoor conditions, such as pollen count or air pollution, which could negatively impact your indoor air quality.

Another way to monitor your indoor air quality is to identify and eliminate sources of pollution. This could include things like pet dander, smoke, mould spores, or chemicals. By removing these sources, you can significantly improve your indoor air quality.

Finally, mechanical means can also be employed to clean the indoor air and remove pollutants. This could include using an air purifier or adjusting gas stoves to decrease emissions. While an air purifier alone may not remove all impurities, it can be beneficial, especially for those with asthma or respiratory issues.

By using a combination of these monitoring and improvement strategies, you can take control of your indoor air quality and create a healthier living environment.

Frequently asked questions