Protecting Yourself From Indoor Air Pollution: Tips And Strategies

With air pollution becoming an increasingly prominent issue, it is important to know how to protect yourself from indoor air pollution. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the concentration of air pollutants in your home can be two to five times higher than what’s typically found outdoors. There are several ways to reduce pollutants and improve the air quality in your home, such as improving ventilation, removing the source of the pollution, and cleaning the indoor air through mechanical means.

How to protect yourself from indoor air pollution

Identify and remove pollution sources

To protect yourself from indoor air pollution, the first step is to identify and remove the sources of pollution. There are many sources of indoor air pollution, including outdoor air pollution, which can enter a home through natural ventilation, mechanical means, or infiltration. In some cases, the age and maintenance of a pollution source can impact the level of pollution emitted. For example, an improperly adjusted gas stove can emit significantly more carbon monoxide than a properly adjusted one.

Some sources of indoor air pollution are continuous, such as building materials, furnishings, and products like air fresheners. Other sources, such as smoking, cleaning, redecorating, or hobbies, release pollutants intermittently. Unvented or malfunctioning appliances or improperly used products can release dangerous levels of pollutants. Biological sources of indoor air pollution include plants, people, and animals. Building materials that support the growth or concentration of biological pollutants, such as mould and mildew, can also be a source of indoor air pollution.

To identify indoor air pollution sources, pay attention to any symptoms that occur when you are indoors and fade or go away when you are away. This can indicate that there is an indoor air pollution source that is causing these symptoms. Signs of unhealthy air can help identify if there are problems with indoor air quality.

Once indoor air pollution sources have been identified, the next step is to remove them. This may involve banning smoking indoors, bathing pets regularly and washing their bedding to reduce allergy-causing dander, minimising carpeting to reduce the trapping of pollutants, and storing chemicals and cleaning products safely away from living areas. It is also important to have heating systems and hot water tanks checked for CO leakage and ventilation and maintained annually.

Ventilate your home

Ventilating your home is a crucial step in improving indoor air quality and protecting yourself from indoor air pollution. Here are some detailed instructions to help you effectively ventilate your home:

Natural Ventilation

The simplest way to ventilate your home is to utilise natural ventilation by opening windows and doors. This method allows fresh outdoor air to enter your home and dilute indoor pollutants. It can also help moderate indoor temperatures, especially if you don't have an air conditioning system or during power outages. Make sure to take into account outdoor pollution sources, such as smoke or refuse, and avoid opening windows and doors if the outdoor air quality is poor.

Mechanical Ventilation

If natural ventilation is insufficient or impractical, you can improve ventilation through mechanical means. Modern homes may feature mechanical systems, such as energy-efficient heat recovery ventilators (also known as air-to-air heat exchangers), that bring fresh outdoor air inside. These systems can be integrated into HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) setups to maintain good air quality while also controlling indoor temperatures.

Air Filters

Air filters are an essential component of good ventilation. If your home has a central HVAC system, ensure it has a filter, preferably a pleated one, as they are more efficient at trapping particles. Set the fan to the "on" position instead of "auto" to ensure continuous air filtration, especially when you have visitors. Portable HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) cleaners are also effective at filtering the air, whether used independently or in conjunction with an HVAC system.

Fans

Fans can be used strategically to improve air circulation and move virus particles and other pollutants from inside your home to the outdoors. Bathroom and stove exhaust fans are particularly useful for this purpose. Just remember to use fans safely and avoid leaving them unattended with young children.

Regular Maintenance

It is important to have your ventilation system, including any HVAC or air filtration units, inspected and maintained by a professional at least once a year. This ensures that the system is operating efficiently and effectively removing pollutants from the air. Regular maintenance can also help identify any potential issues or necessary adjustments.

Reduce moisture and mould

Moisture and mould are common contributors to poor indoor air quality. Mould is a fungus that grows on damp building materials, such as wood, paper, fabrics, drywall and insulation. It is often visible as discoloured stains and gives off a musty, earthy odour. Mould spores are invisible and float through indoor air, landing and growing on damp surfaces.

To reduce moisture and mould, it is important to regularly check your home for signs of water damage or excessive moisture. Look out for stains or discolouration on floors, walls, window panes, fabrics and carpets, and be aware of any musty odours. If you suspect a moisture problem, use a hygrometer or humidity meter to measure the humidity levels in your home. Ideally, indoor humidity should be kept below 60%, and no higher than 30-50%. If you notice condensation or moisture collecting on surfaces, dry the area promptly and address the source of the moisture. Ventilate appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves and kerosene heaters, to the outside.

If you find mould, clean it up as soon as possible. Small to medium-sized areas can usually be cleaned without professional help. However, for extensive mould growth, consider seeking professional assistance. After cleaning, ensure that you fix the underlying cause of the mould, such as water damage, high humidity or inadequate ventilation. Regularly clean and disinfect items that hold water, such as humidifiers, dehumidifiers and air conditioners.

By controlling moisture and eliminating mould, you can improve indoor air quality and protect yourself from potential health issues associated with mould exposure, including allergic reactions, asthma attacks and irritation to the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs.

Ban smoking indoors

Smoking is a significant contributor to indoor air pollution, and secondhand smoke is particularly harmful to non-smokers, especially children. According to the US Surgeon General, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. The only way to fully protect non-smokers from this is to ban smoking in indoor spaces.

In the United States, more than 41,000 non-smoking adults die each year from exposure to secondhand smoke, and it costs $5.6 billion in lost productivity. The effects on children are even more pronounced, with secondhand smoke causing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, middle ear disease, and more frequent and severe asthma attacks. Approximately 14 million US children aged 3-11 years are exposed to secondhand smoke.

The American Lung Association (ALA) advocates for comprehensive smokefree laws in all 50 states, including in public places and workplaces such as restaurants, bars, and casinos. They also urge the inclusion of e-cigarettes in smokefree laws, as they contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals. As of 2024, 29 states and several territories prohibit smoking in bars, and 35 states and several territories prohibit smoking in restaurants.

To protect yourself from indoor air pollution, it is important to take action to eliminate or reduce exposure to its sources. This can include banning smoking indoors, as well as other measures such as improving ventilation, removing sources of pollution, and cleaning the air through mechanical means. By banning smoking indoors, you can significantly improve the air quality in your home or workplace and reduce the harmful effects of secondhand smoke on yourself and those around you.

Store chemicals safely

Storing chemicals safely is an important step in protecting yourself from indoor air pollution. Here are some detailed instructions to help you achieve this:

Firstly, identify the chemicals you have and categorise them. This includes cleaning products, paints, varnishes, cosmetics, and any other products containing organic chemicals or solvents. These products can release organic compounds while in use and, to some extent, during storage. Categorising them will help you understand their specific risks and needs.

Next, always store chemicals in a well-ventilated area. Keep them locked in cupboards or drawers, ensuring they are out of reach and sight of children and pets. If possible, store them in a separate room or area that can be closed off from the rest of the house. This will help contain any potential leaks or spills, and reduce the risk of accidental exposure. Make sure the storage area has good air circulation to prevent the build-up of fumes.

Additionally, follow manufacturer instructions for storage. Chemical products will often have specific storage guidelines on their labels, such as ideal temperature ranges and ventilation requirements. Some products may also have compatibility issues, so never mix chemicals unless explicitly instructed to do so. Keep an inventory of your stored chemicals, including their location, quantity, and any relevant safety information. This will help you manage their use and disposal effectively.

Finally, dispose of chemicals properly. Do not pour them down the drain or flush them. Instead, contact your local waste facility or hazardous waste disposal service to safely discard leftover or expired chemicals. Many communities have designated drop-off points or collection services for these items. Additionally, consider using natural alternatives to chemicals, such as vinegar and baking soda for cleaning, to reduce the number of potentially harmful substances in your home.

Frequently asked questions