Breathe Easy: 4 Ways To Reduce Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor air pollution is a serious issue, causing approximately 3.2 million deaths globally each year. It is often more harmful than outdoor air pollution as people spend a lot of time indoors and are steeped in it for long periods. Here are four ways to reduce indoor air pollution:

1. Ban smoking indoors: Secondhand smoke is a major indoor air pollutant and is responsible for thousands of lung cancer deaths in non-smokers annually.

2. Improve ventilation: Opening windows and using exhaust fans helps remove polluted indoor air and replace it with fresh, clean air from outside.

3. Use natural cleaning products: Conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that pollute indoor air. Opt for natural alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.

4. Reduce dust: Dust can carry bacteria, mould, pet dander, and pollen, worsening respiratory conditions. Regular cleaning and vacuuming can help minimise indoor air pollution.

Ban smoking indoors

Smoking indoors is a major source of indoor air pollution. Secondhand smoke is a mixture of exhaled mainstream smoke and sidestream smoke released from a smoldering cigarette or other smoking device, such as a cigar, pipe, or bidi. It contains several toxic chemicals that are known to harm people's health and pollute the air. According to the US Surgeon General, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

The best way to protect non-smokers from the dangers of passive smoking is to ban smoking in indoor spaces. This includes private homes, vehicles, and all public places. Here are some reasons why banning smoking indoors is essential:

Health Risks of Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke is a significant health hazard, causing more than 41,000 deaths among non-smoking adults in the United States each year. It increases the risk of lung cancer by 20-30% and the risk of coronary heart disease by 25-30% in adults. Additionally, it can trigger asthma and cause respiratory infections, ear problems, and more frequent and severe asthma attacks in children. The effects of secondhand smoke are particularly harmful to children due to their higher air intake relative to their body weight compared to adults.

Impact on Indoor Air Quality

Smoking indoors significantly deteriorates indoor air quality. Studies have shown that the average PM2.5 levels (fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs) in venues where smoking is allowed are much higher than in non-smoking areas. These increased levels of PM2.5 are harmful to the health of customers and employees in these indoor spaces.

Effectiveness of Smoke-Free Policies

Implementing smoke-free policies in public places is the most effective way to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke. Comprehensive smokefree laws have been shown to reduce tobacco consumption and encourage individuals to quit smoking. Additionally, communities that enact such laws see a reduction in hospital heart attack admissions, demonstrating the positive impact on public health.

Legal Requirements

In many places, there are legal requirements to prohibit smoking in indoor public spaces. For example, the New York State Clean Indoor Air Act prohibits smoking and vaping in most workplaces, including indoors and on the grounds of public transportation areas, schools, hospitals, restaurants, and bars. Similar laws exist in other states and countries, such as India, which has prohibited smoking in public places since 2008.

Social and Economic Impact

Smoke-free laws and policies have high levels of public support and compliance. Studies have shown that these policies do not negatively affect sales or employment in the hospitality industry. In fact, they can improve the indoor air quality in restaurants, bars, and other hospitality venues, making them more comfortable and appealing to customers.

In conclusion, banning smoking indoors is a crucial step towards improving indoor air quality and protecting the health of non-smokers, especially children. It is essential to enforce smoke-free policies in private and public spaces to reduce the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and improve the overall health of the community.

Use exhaust fans

Exhaust fans are an important tool in the battle against indoor air pollution. They can help to improve air quality by removing stale air and ensuring proper ventilation.

There are two main types of exhaust fans: ducted and non-ducted. Ducted exhaust fans are the most effective as they remove pollutants and moisture from indoor air by sucking them through the fan and blowing them outside. Non-ducted exhaust fans, on the other hand, filter air through charcoal before releasing it back into the living space.

Exhaust fans are particularly useful in areas of the home that are prone to excess moisture, such as bathrooms, and in the kitchen where cooking fumes can be an issue. In the bathroom, they can help to balance humidity levels and reduce the growth of mould and mildew. In the kitchen, they can remove smoke and cooking fumes, venting them outside before they can negatively impact other rooms.

When installing an exhaust fan, it is important to hire a professional to ensure it is set up correctly. Look for an ENERGY STAR-qualified fan, as these are energy-efficient, provide the right airflow, and are quiet. For bathrooms, a fan should be 50 cfm for rooms 100 ft2 or less. For kitchen range hoods, a wall-mounted hood should provide 100 cfm of ventilation, while an island hood should provide 150 cfm. All kitchen exhaust fans should have a ducted passage to the outside that is fitted with a damper to prevent infiltration.

In addition to improving air quality, exhaust fans can also increase overall indoor comfort by maintaining air circulation and removing excess moisture. They are a simple yet effective solution to an ongoing problem.

Improve ventilation

Improving ventilation is a key strategy to reduce indoor air pollution. Here are some ways to do this:

Open Windows

Opening windows is a simple yet effective way to improve indoor air quality. By doing this, you encourage a good exchange of indoor and outdoor air, promoting healthy ventilation. Of course, it's important to be mindful of the temperature outside and the pollen count before throwing the windows wide open.

Use Exhaust Fans

Exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms are great for removing cooking fumes and steam. Make sure your dryer vents to the outside to keep lint from building up inside. If it's too cold or pollen-heavy to open windows, you can run your window air conditioner on the fan setting with a clean filter to reduce pollen levels indoors.

Kitchen Range Hoods

If your kitchen has a range hood that vents outdoors, always turn it on when cooking, and set it to the highest fan speed if possible. This will help capture and remove pollutants generated during cooking, such as smoke and fumes.

Natural Ventilation

Natural ventilation refers to the airflow that occurs through open windows and doors. When used properly, it can help moderate indoor air temperature and improve air quality by reducing indoor pollutants. In addition to opening windows and doors, natural ventilation can be enhanced by window shading, such as closing the blinds.

Mechanical Ventilation

In addition to natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation systems can be used to bring outdoor air indoors. This can be done through outdoor air intakes associated with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These systems can help control indoor temperatures while removing or diluting indoor airborne pollutants.

Attic Ventilation

Proper attic ventilation is crucial to maintaining a healthy home. Without it, your attic can trap excess heat and moisture, leading to issues like mould, roof damage, and higher energy costs. Intake vents allow air to enter the attic, while exhaust vents allow hot air to escape. A balance of these vents is necessary to maintain proper airflow. Regular cleaning and maintenance of these vents are important to ensure they function effectively.

Avoid air fresheners

Air fresheners are a common source of indoor air pollution. They are often used to mask various odours, but they can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates, which can trigger asthma and cause other health problems. Here are four ways to reduce indoor air pollution by avoiding the use of air fresheners:

• Eliminate Odours Instead of Masking Them: Instead of reaching for an air freshener, find the source of bad smells and clean it up. For example, if there is a musty smell in a cupboard, clean it out and get rid of any items that are causing the odour. You can also use a box of baking soda in the area to absorb the smell. This is a cheaper and healthier alternative to air fresheners.
• Improve Ventilation: Opening windows and doors is an effective way to improve indoor air quality. It increases the amount of outdoor air coming indoors and helps to remove or dilute indoor airborne pollutants. This is especially important when cooking or doing other activities that can generate high levels of pollutants, such as painting or cleaning. If it's too cold to open windows, using exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom can help remove cooking fumes and reduce humidity, which can cause mould and mildew.
• Use Safer Cleaning Products: Air fresheners are often used to cover up smells from cleaning products. Instead, opt for cleaning products that are safer for human health and the environment. Look for products that are certified as safe and non-toxic, such as those with the SaferChoice or GreenSeal label. These products will help improve indoor air quality and reduce the need for air fresheners.
• Control Pet Odours: Pet odours are another common reason for using air fresheners. To reduce pet-related indoor air pollution, bathe your pets regularly and wash their bedding often. Keep pets out of bedrooms and off upholstered furniture to minimise pet dander, which can trigger allergies and respiratory problems. Regular vacuuming with a low-emissions vacuum can also help reduce pet-related odours and improve indoor air quality.

Clean regularly

Keeping your home clean is one of the most effective ways to reduce indoor air pollution. Here are some tips to help you maintain a clean and healthy indoor environment:

Vacuum Regularly

Vacuuming is an essential part of keeping your home clean, especially if you have pets. Aim to vacuum your carpets and area rugs at least once or twice a week, using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters are designed to trap fine particles such as dust and allergens, preventing them from being recirculated into the air. If you have hard-surface flooring, be sure to sweep or mop regularly as well to keep dust and dirt from building up.

Wash Bedding and Other Fabric Items Frequently

Focus on washing items that attract allergens, such as bedding, pillows, drapes, and cloth furniture. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends washing these items in water that is at least 130° F to effectively remove allergens and dust mites. Additionally, consider using dust mite-proof covers on pillows, mattresses, and box springs for extra protection.

Declutter Your Space

Clutter can trap and hold dust, which can trigger allergies and respiratory issues. Keep your living space tidy and organised by regularly clearing clutter and wiping down surfaces. This will help reduce the amount of dust in your home and improve indoor air quality.

Clean Your Ducts and Filters

If you have a forced-air heating or cooling system, it's important to change the air filters regularly, especially during periods of high pollen or smoke. Additionally, consider having your ducts cleaned to remove any trapped dust and allergens. Clean ducts and filters will improve the efficiency of your system and ensure that fresh, clean air is being circulated throughout your home.

Choose the Right Cleaning Products

Some cleaning products can contribute to indoor air pollution, so it's important to choose safer options. Opt for products that are environmentally friendly and non-toxic. Avoid strong scents and products containing pine or citrus fragrances, as these can react with ozone to form particles and formaldehyde. Instead, consider using natural alternatives, such as a mixture of white vinegar and water, which is effective and safer for your health.

Maintain a Clean Kitchen

The kitchen is a common source of indoor air pollution, with cooking fumes and smoke being released into the air. Be sure to use exhaust fans when cooking to remove these pollutants from your home. Additionally, clean your kitchen appliances regularly, including the range hood and stove, to prevent the build-up of grease and grime, which can contribute to air pollution.

Frequently asked questions