Strategies To Combat Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor air pollution is a serious issue, and there are several ways to tackle it. One of the most effective ways to prevent indoor air pollution is to minimise the release of pollutants indoors. This can be done by using natural cleaning products with ingredients such as white vinegar, baking soda, borax, citrus fruit, and essential oils. Ventilation is also important, so open windows and doors when the weather permits, or turn on exhaust fans.

Install a carbon monoxide alarm in your home

While installing a carbon monoxide alarm is not mentioned in the sources, there are many other ways to prevent indoor air pollution.

Ventilation is key to promoting healthy indoor air. Opening windows and doors when the weather permits can encourage a good exchange of indoor and outdoor air. Local exhaust fans can also help with this.

When purchasing building materials or furnishings made with composite wood, look for a label that says California Phase II Compliant, or TSCA Title VI Compliant. When buying carpet, cushion and adhesive products, look for the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Plus logo.

Many conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that cause indoor air pollution. To avoid this, choose green cleaners made with natural ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, borax, citrus fruit, and essential oils. Keeping your indoor space clean and dry can also help reduce indoor air pollution, especially in areas where mould and mildew tend to grow, such as the kitchen and bathroom.

On high air pollution days, it is recommended to stay indoors, reduce outdoor air infiltration to indoors, clean indoor air with air filters, and limit physical exertion, especially outdoors and near air pollution sources.

Ventilate your home to draw in fresh air and dilute pollutants

Ventilating your home is a great way to draw in fresh air and dilute pollutants. Opening windows and doors when the weather permits is an easy way to encourage a good exchange of indoor and outdoor air. You can also turn on local exhaust fans to help with this.

On high air pollution days, it is recommended to reduce outdoor air infiltration to indoors, but ventilation with outdoor air can still be very effective. When purchasing building materials or furnishings made with composite wood such as particleboard or plywood, look for a label that says California Phase II Compliant, or TSCA Title VI Compliant. When purchasing carpet, cushion and adhesive products, look for the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Plus logo.

It is also important to keep your indoor space clean and dry to help reduce indoor air pollution. This is especially important in areas where mould and mildew tend to grow, such as in the kitchen and bathroom. Many conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that cause indoor air pollution, so it is recommended to choose green cleaners made with natural ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, borax, citrus fruit, and essential oils.

Avoid using devices that produce ozone

Preventing indoor air pollution is important to protect your health and the health of your family. One way to do this is to avoid using devices that produce ozone. Ozone is a harmful pollutant that can irritate the lungs and make it difficult to breathe.

There are several ways to avoid using devices that produce ozone. One way is to open windows and doors to increase ventilation and allow fresh air to circulate indoors. This can help to dilute and remove pollutants from the air. However, it is important to avoid doing this when it is too cold or when the pollen count is high, as this can bring in outdoor allergens and irritants.

Another way to avoid using devices that produce ozone is to turn on local exhaust fans, such as in the kitchen or bathroom. These fans can help to remove pollutants and improve indoor air quality. It is also important to avoid using conventional cleaning products that contain harmful chemicals. Many of these products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can contribute to indoor air pollution. Instead, opt for natural, eco-friendly cleaning products made with ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, borax, citrus fruit, and essential oils. These products are safer for indoor use and are effective at cleaning surfaces and removing dirt, dust, and grime.

In addition to avoiding devices that produce ozone, it is also important to minimise the release of other pollutants indoors. This can be done by choosing building materials and furnishings that are compliant with environmental standards, such as California Phase II or TSCA Title VI. When purchasing carpet, cushion, and adhesive products, look for the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Plus logo, which indicates that the product has low emissions of volatile organic compounds.

By following these tips, you can help to improve indoor air quality and reduce your exposure to harmful pollutants, including ozone. This can have a positive impact on your health and well-being, especially if you are susceptible to the effects of air pollution, such as individuals with chronic cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, children, and the elderly.

Keep windows and doors closed when outdoor air quality is poor

Keeping windows and doors closed when outdoor air quality is poor is an important step in preventing indoor air pollution. While adequate ventilation is key to promoting healthy indoor air, it is crucial to be mindful of the outdoor air quality before opening windows and doors. On days with high air pollution levels, keeping windows and doors closed helps to reduce the infiltration of outdoor air pollutants into your home. This is especially important for individuals with chronic cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases, children, and the elderly, who are more susceptible to the adverse health effects of air pollution.

To further minimise the impact of poor outdoor air quality, consider using air filters or air purifiers. These devices can help clean the indoor air by capturing pollutants and improving the overall air quality inside your home. If possible, invest in high-quality air filters that are specifically designed to remove fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants from the air.

Additionally, be mindful of the products you use indoors, as they can contribute to indoor air pollution. Conventional cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals that can pollute the air. Opt for green cleaning products made with natural ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, borax, citrus fruits, and essential oils. These alternatives are safer for both your health and the environment.

Another way to reduce indoor air pollution is to minimise the use of certain household items that can release pollutants. For example, burning candles or incense can release smoke and particulate matter into the air. Similarly, cooking activities such as frying or grilling can generate smoke and grease particles that contribute to indoor air pollution. By being mindful of these activities and reducing their frequency, you can help maintain better indoor air quality.

Finally, regular cleaning and maintenance of your indoor space can significantly reduce indoor air pollution. Keeping your home clean and dry, especially in areas prone to mould and mildew growth like kitchens and bathrooms, helps prevent the accumulation of pollutants. Regular dusting and vacuuming using filters can also help remove allergens and pollutants from surfaces and the air, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.

Use less toxic cleaning products

One of the most effective ways to prevent indoor air pollution is to prevent or minimise the release of pollutants indoors. This can be done by using less toxic cleaning products. Many conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that cause indoor air pollution. To avoid this, choose green cleaners made with natural ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, borax, citrus fruit, and essential oils. These natural ingredients are safe for indoor use and are effective at cleaning surfaces and removing dirt, dust, and grime.

When purchasing cleaning products, look for the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Plus logo. This label indicates that the product has been certified as safe for human health and the environment. You can also check SaferChoice and GreenSeal for more information on how to choose safer products.

In addition to using less toxic cleaning products, you can also reduce indoor air pollution by opening windows and doors to improve ventilation. This allows for a good exchange of indoor and outdoor air, promoting healthy indoor air quality. However, it is important to consider the weather and pollen count when doing so. Local exhaust fans can also be used to improve ventilation and reduce indoor air pollution.

Another way to prevent indoor air pollution is to be mindful of the building materials and furnishings you use. When purchasing products made with composite wood, such as particleboard or plywood, look for labels that indicate California Phase II Compliance or TSCA Title VI Compliance. These labels ensure that the products meet certain standards for indoor air quality.

Frequently asked questions