Improving Indoor Air Quality: Four Key Strategies For Success

Indoor air pollution is a serious issue, as the air we breathe inside our homes can often be more polluted than the air outside. Spending a lot of time indoors can increase the risk of illness, especially for those who are more vulnerable, such as the elderly, young children, and those with respiratory issues. There are several ways to reduce indoor air pollution and improve the quality of the air we breathe at home. Four effective methods include:

1. Improving ventilation by bringing in fresh outdoor air and using adjustable fresh-air vents.

2. Banning or limiting smoking to well-ventilated areas to reduce second-hand smoke exposure.

3. Using less-polluting cleaning agents, paints, and other household products that emit fewer harmful chemicals.

4. Installing radon ventilation systems to prevent the buildup of this naturally occurring radioactive gas, which is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in America.

Ban smoking indoors or limit it to well-ventilated areas

Smoking is a major source of indoor air pollution. Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) is a complex mixture of over 4,000 compounds, with more than 40 of them known to cause cancer in humans or animals, and many are strong irritants. ETS is also referred to as "secondhand smoke" and exposure to it is called "passive smoking". According to the US Surgeon General, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. In the United States, exposure to secondhand smoke causes more than 41,000 deaths among nonsmoking adults and costs an estimated $5.6 billion in lost productivity each year. It is the leading cause of preventable death.

The only way to fully protect nonsmokers from exposure to secondhand smoke is to eliminate smoking in indoor spaces. Ventilation can help reduce indoor air pollution, but it is not a solution for high levels of indoor air pollution caused by smoking. Ventilation works best when paired with keeping known sources of air pollution, such as smoking, out of the building.

The following are some ways to ban smoking indoors or limit it to well-ventilated areas:

• Implement smokefree policies: Smokefree policies are the most effective way to protect nonsmokers from exposure to secondhand smoke. Comprehensive smokefree laws and policies have a high level of public support and compliance, and do not negatively affect sales or employment in the hospitality industry.
• Prohibit smoking in specific areas: Smoking should be prohibited in indoor spaces such as bars, restaurants, and worksites. This includes both government and private worksites.
• Increase ventilation: While ventilation alone cannot solve the problem of secondhand smoke, it can help reduce indoor air pollution when paired with a smoking ban. Opening windows and using exhaust fans can increase ventilation and improve indoor air quality.
• Educate the public: Raise awareness about the dangers of secondhand smoke and the importance of smokefree policies. Inform people about the health risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke, especially for children.
• Provide support for smokers: Offer resources and support to help smokers quit. This can include counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and other smoking cessation aids.
• Enforce smoking bans: Ensure that smoking bans are properly enforced and that violations are addressed. This may include fines or other penalties for those who violate the ban.
• Collaborate with stakeholders: Work with local and state governments, public health organizations, and community groups to advocate for smokefree policies and educate the public about the dangers of secondhand smoke.

Prevent radon infiltration from cracks and drains

Radon is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that is harmful to humans. It is formed by the breakdown of uranium in the Earth's soil and can enter buildings through cracks, drains, and hollow concrete. As radon is a significant health risk, it is important to take measures to prevent its infiltration. Here are some ways to prevent radon infiltration from cracks and drains:

Sealing and Caulking

Sealing all openings, cracks, and crevices in the concrete foundation floor and walls is essential to prevent radon from entering a building. Polyurethane caulk can be used to seal these areas effectively. This measure is one of the five basic features recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prevent radon infiltration.

Drain Trap Seal Devices

Unprotected drains are a common entry point for radon. Installing a drain trap seal device, such as the Green Drain Waterless Trap, can effectively prevent radon from entering through drains. These devices are designed to allow water to flow down the drain while blocking anything from below from entering the space. They also offer additional benefits, such as drain odour prevention and increased air quality.

Ventilation

Improving ventilation can help reduce radon levels. Installing an exhaust fan or a radon mitigation system can create negative pressure, preventing radon from entering the building. Continuous ventilation, combined with separating the basement from the house using plastic sheeting, has been shown to reduce radon levels effectively.

Radon-Resistant Construction

When building a new home, incorporating radon-resistant features is an effective way to prevent radon infiltration. Builders can use common materials and techniques, such as gravel layers, plastic sheeting, vent pipes, and sealing, to prevent radon from entering the home. These features not only improve indoor air quality but also become selling points for health-conscious homebuyers.

Use less-polluting cleaning agents, paints, etc

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted from a range of household products, including cleaning agents, paints, perfumes, hairsprays, and soaps. These compounds react with molecules in the air to form particulate matter and ozone, both of which are harmful to human health.

To reduce indoor air pollution, it is important to use less-polluting cleaning agents, paints, and other household products. Here are some ways to do this:

• Look for ecolabels: Ecolabels are a good way to quickly identify products that are "greener" and less polluting. However, be cautious of vague or generic claims such as "environmentally friendly" or "eco-safe," as these may not be backed by rigorous standards. Instead, look for specific certifications like the U.S. EPA's Safer Choice label, which indicates that a product has met stringent requirements for safer ingredients.
• Choose green cleaning products: Opt for cleaning products that are certified by reputable organizations, such as the EPA's Safer Choice program or Design for the Environment (DfE) label. These products have been evaluated for their impact on human health and the environment, helping to reduce indoor air pollution.
• Avoid hazardous chemicals: When selecting cleaning agents and paints, steer clear of products containing known hazardous chemicals. Refer to the EPA's Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) for a list of chemicals known to cause adverse health and environmental effects. Also, avoid ozone-depleting compounds, regulated hazardous materials, and chemicals designated as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).
• Opt for renewable and biodegradable ingredients: Look for products made with renewable resources, such as biobased solvents derived from citrus, seed, vegetable, or pine oils. Choose cleaning agents and paints that are biodegradable by standard methods, ensuring they break down relatively quickly in an aquatic environment.
• Reduce exposure and proper disposal: Minimize your exposure to cleaning products by using pump sprays instead of aerosols and opting for concentrated formulas with appropriate handling safeguards. Properly dispose of any leftover product, and recycle packaging when possible.
• Improve ventilation during use: When using cleaning agents or paints, ensure the area is well-ventilated to reduce the concentration of volatile compounds in the air. Open windows or use exhaust fans to help dissipate the fumes.

Increase ventilation and fresh air intake

One of the most effective ways to reduce indoor air pollution is to increase ventilation and fresh air intake. This is especially important in buildings with inadequate ventilation systems, which can allow indoor air pollutants to accumulate to harmful levels. Here are some ways to increase ventilation and fresh air intake:

Adjustable Fresh-Air Vents

Install adjustable fresh-air vents in workspaces and other areas where air circulation is poor. These vents allow you to control the amount of fresh air that enters the space, helping to dilute indoor air pollutants.

Improve Air Circulation

Use fans or other air-circulating devices to improve the overall air circulation within a building. This helps to prevent stagnant air and reduces the concentration of pollutants in a given area.

Exhaust Systems

Install exhaust systems for appliances that produce high levels of indoor air pollutants, such as natural gas stoves, ovens, or dryers. These systems help to remove pollutants at their source before they have a chance to spread throughout the building.

Natural Ventilation

Utilize natural ventilation techniques such as opening windows and doors to increase the flow of fresh air into a building. Cross-ventilation, which involves opening windows on opposite sides of a building, can be particularly effective in improving air exchange.

Mechanical Ventilation

In some cases, installing mechanical ventilation systems may be necessary to ensure adequate air exchange. These systems use fans and ducts to circulate fresh air throughout a building and can be especially useful in spaces with poor natural ventilation.

Air Purifiers

Consider using air purifiers to supplement natural and mechanical ventilation. Portable air purifiers with HEPA filters can help remove particulate matter, such as dust, pollen, and smoke, from the air, improving indoor air quality.

Use exhaust hoods for natural gas appliances

Using exhaust hoods for natural gas appliances is an effective way to reduce indoor air pollution. Exhaust hoods are particularly important when using natural gas appliances such as stoves, which have been shown to release harmful pollutants, including carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter. These pollutants can cause a range of health issues, from respiratory problems to cardiovascular illness and even death in high enough concentrations.

Exhaust hoods are designed to ventilate these harmful pollutants and improve indoor air quality. When using a natural gas stove, it is recommended to turn on the exhaust hood before, during, and after cooking to ensure proper ventilation. It is also important to ensure that the exhaust hood is venting to the outdoors rather than simply recirculating the air back into the home. The effectiveness of exhaust hoods can vary, so it is worth investing in a good-quality hood with sufficient power and size to cover all the heating elements of the stovetop.

In addition to exhaust hoods, other measures can be taken to further improve ventilation and reduce indoor air pollution. Opening windows or doors to create a cross breeze can help disperse pollutants, especially if combined with the use of a fan. Countertop appliances, such as induction cooktops, can also be used instead of gas stoves to reduce the emission of harmful pollutants.

While proper ventilation can help mitigate the risks associated with natural gas appliances, the most effective way to reduce indoor air pollution is to switch to cleaner alternatives, such as electric or induction stoves, which produce fewer emissions. This switch not only improves indoor air quality but also offers long-term benefits, including potential cost savings and a reduced environmental impact.

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