Strategies To Reduce Indoor Air Pollution At Home

Did you know that the air inside your home or office can be polluted? In fact, indoor air pollution can be even more harmful than outdoor air pollution. With people spending more time indoors, improving indoor air quality is crucial for lung health and minimizing exposure to harmful pollutants.

There are several ways to reduce indoor air pollution and create healthier indoor spaces. Firstly, identify and eliminate the source of pollution. This could include cigarette smoke, pet dander, mould, or household cleaning products. Next, improve ventilation by bringing in outdoor air to dilute indoor pollutants and reduce humidity. Finally, consider using air cleaners and filtration systems to mechanically remove pollutants from the air.

Taking these steps can significantly reduce indoor air pollution and its associated health risks, such as respiratory problems, asthma, and other allergies.

Ventilation and air purification

Ventilation

One of the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality is to increase ventilation. This means bringing in fresh outdoor air to dilute indoor pollutants and carrying indoor air pollutants out of the home. This can be achieved through natural ventilation, such as opening windows and doors, or through mechanical means such as outdoor air intakes associated with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Advanced designs for new homes are starting to include energy-efficient heat recovery ventilators that bring outdoor air inside.

It is important to note that simply opening windows may not always be a viable option due to allergies, extreme temperatures, or high pollen counts. In such cases, mechanical means of ventilation become crucial. Additionally, improper ventilation can increase levels of pollutants like radon and carbon monoxide, so ensuring an adequate amount of outdoor air intake is essential.

Air Purification

Air purification involves the use of air cleaners and filtration systems to remove pollutants from the air. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are highly effective at reducing indoor pollution by capturing pollutants like mould spores, pet dander, dust mites, and tobacco smoke. These filters can be used in vacuums, air purifiers, and heating and air conditioning systems. When choosing an air purifier, it is important to select one that is appropriately sized for the room and has a high CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) rating.

While air purifiers can be beneficial, it is worth noting that they should not be solely relied upon to improve indoor air quality. The most effective approach is often to eliminate or reduce the source of pollution, followed by increasing ventilation to dilute remaining pollutants.

Ban smoking

Cigarette smoke is one of the most common indoor air pollutants. The particles from cigarette smoke that settle are called third-hand smoke and pose serious health hazards, especially to children and those with chronic heart and lung problems. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, secondhand smoke is responsible for about 3,000 lung cancer deaths per year in non-smokers in the US alone. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that nearly 700 million children, or almost half of the world's children, breathe air polluted by tobacco smoke.

The Impact of Smoking Bans

Implementing smoke-free policies is the most effective way to protect non-smokers from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Studies have shown that communities that enforce comprehensive smoke-free laws can see up to a 17% reduction in hospital heart attack admissions. Additionally, smoke-free laws can help smokers quit or reduce their tobacco consumption.

The Impact on Indoor Air Quality

A study in Mumbai, India, found that smoking bans in public places significantly improved indoor air quality. The average level of PM2.5 particles (a measure of air pollution) in venues where smoking was observed was 363.04 μg/m3, while in non-smoking venues, it was 97.19 μg/m3. For context, the World Health Organization considers an AQI value for PM2.5 particles between 0 and 50 as satisfactory, posing little to no health risk.

Best Practices for Smoke-Free Environments

To ensure effective smoke-free environments, it is important to have clear signage indicating a prohibition on smoking and vaping. This includes posting no-smoking signs that are visible to employees and the public and informing people that smoking is not permitted. Comprehensive smoke-free laws should cover all indoor public places, including bars, restaurants, workplaces, and public transportation areas.

The Benefits of Smoke-Free Environments

By banning smoking indoors, we can reduce the negative impact of secondhand smoke on non-smokers, especially children, and encourage smokers to quit or reduce their tobacco consumption. Ultimately, smoke-free environments promote healthier indoor air quality and protect the rights of non-smokers to breathe fresh air.

Reduce pet dander

Pet dander is a common source of indoor air pollution, and it can trigger allergies and asthma. Pet dander comes from skin cells shed by animals with fur or feathers, and it can easily become airborne and stick to furniture, bedding, and fabrics. Here are some ways to reduce pet dander in your home:

Regular Cleaning

Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule is essential to keep pet dander under control. Use a lint roller to remove dander from flat surfaces. Vacuum soft surfaces, such as sofas, and clean pet accessories, toys, and clothing. Throw large items like blankets in the dryer before washing them. Additionally, clean your HVAC registers and air ducts to prevent the circulation of dander throughout the house.

Bathe and Brush Your Pet

Bathing and brushing your pet regularly helps to reduce pet dander. Brushing allows you to remove excess fur, and bathing directs it down the drain instead of onto your furniture. The frequency of brushing and bathing depends on the furriness of your pet. Long-haired animals may require daily brushing, while others can be brushed weekly.

Change HVAC Filters

Dirty air filters are less effective at trapping debris, and they can circulate dander and other allergens throughout your home. Replace the filters regularly, especially if you have multiple pets. A High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter is recommended as it can trap 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger.

Use Hard Flooring

Pet dander adheres more easily to soft surfaces like carpets. By replacing carpets with hard flooring materials such as hardwood or linoleum, you can significantly reduce the amount of pet dander in your home.

Restrict Pets from Certain Areas

Keep pets away from areas that are highly susceptible to dander accumulation or where dander can cause serious problems. For example, if someone in your household has asthma or allergies, it is advisable to keep pets out of their bedroom.

Create an "Allergy-Free" Zone

Establish an allergy-free zone in your home, preferably the bedroom of the allergic person, and strictly prohibit pets from entering. Use a HEPA air cleaner in this area, and consider using impermeable covers for mattresses and pillows to create a safe and comfortable space.

Wash Bedding and Clothing Frequently

Pet dander can accumulate on bedding and clothing, so it is important to wash these items regularly to reduce exposure. Wash your hands or take a bath if you have had direct contact with your pets to minimize the transfer of dander.

Use natural cleaning products

Using natural cleaning products is an effective way to reduce indoor air pollution. Many household cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic air contaminants (TACs), which can be harmful to human health. VOCs are emitted from chemically formulated products, including detergents, cleaning compounds, polishes, floor finishes, disinfectants, and sanitizers. These chemicals can be directly harmful or can react with other chemicals in the air to form harmful by-products.

To reduce indoor air pollution, opt for natural cleaning products that are certified as meeting the US EPA's Safer Product Standards, such as the U.S. EPA's "Safer Choice" label. These products are formulated to be safer for both human health and the environment. Look for products that are labeled "green" and "fragrance-free", as these tend to emit fewer VOCs. For example, you can make your own household cleaners using ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, citrus juice, or essential oils. There are also many green cleaning companies selling effective products, such as Branch Basics, Meliora, Dr. Bronner, Seventh Generation, and Healthybaby.

When buying cleaning products, choose fragrance-free options. Fragrances are often the highest contributors to VOC levels in cleaning products. Additionally, ventilate areas while cleaning and spray products onto a sponge or cloth rather than directly into the air. After cleaning, be sure to rinse surfaces with water, as residual cleaning agents can continue to react with ozone in the air. Finally, remove any paper towels, sponges, and mops from the indoor living space, and rinse sponges and mops before storing them.

Minimize carpeting

Carpeting can significantly impact indoor air quality (IAQ) due to its large surface area and multi-layered composition. Here are some reasons why minimising carpeting can help reduce indoor air pollution:

• Carpets Trap Pollutants: Carpets can trap and accumulate various pollutants, such as dust mites, pet dander, mould spores, and other dirt and dust. These pollutants can then be released back into the air, negatively affecting IAQ.
• Allergies and Respiratory Issues: Dirty or old carpets can worsen allergies and respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough. The trapped pollutants in carpets can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues, especially in children and individuals with chronic conditions.
• Damp Environments: Carpets in damp rooms, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, are more prone to mould growth. Moisture can seep into the carpet pads and subfloor, leading to mould and mildew growth within a few days. The spores can then escape into the air, causing allergic reactions.
• New Carpet Emissions: Brand new carpets may emit toxic fumes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can negatively impact IAQ. These compounds, including benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, and 4-Phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH), can cause headaches, breathing issues, and dizziness.
• Difficulty in Cleaning: Carpets can be challenging to clean thoroughly, especially if spills or pet accidents occur. Incomplete cleaning can leave behind concentrated amounts of ammonia from dried urine, leading to eye and skin irritation and respiratory problems.
• Carpet Fibre Materials: Different carpet fibre materials can emit varying levels of VOCs. For example, nylon carpets have been found to emit lower levels of carbonyls compared to PP carpets. The adhesive and backing materials used in carpet installation can also affect VOC emissions.

To improve IAQ and reduce potential health risks associated with carpeting, it is advisable to minimise carpeting in your home, especially in damp areas and bedrooms. Hard-surface flooring is a more suitable alternative to reduce the trapping and accumulation of pollutants.

Frequently asked questions