Reducing Indoor Pollution: What Not To Do

The least helpful ways to reduce indoor pollution are using pesticides, smoking, using chemical cleaning products, and having thick carpet.

- Open windows for ventilation

- Ban smoking indoors

- Bathe pets often and keep them out of bedrooms

- Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom

- Put down a doormat to reduce pollutants carried into the house

- Change filters on forced-air heating and cooling systems

- Avoid lighting fires

- Avoid air fresheners, scented candles, and incense

- Vacuum often

- Minimize carpeting

- Use a dehumidifier to reduce mold

- Store chemicals safely

- Use an air purifier

Using unsafe building materials and furnishings

Another source of indoor air pollution is formaldehyde, which is used in the manufacturing of building materials and household products. Formaldehyde can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty breathing. It is important to select building materials and furnishings that are formaldehyde-free or have low emissions.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are also released from building materials and furnishings. VOCs can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, and other health issues. It is important to select low-emitting products and provide proper ventilation during and after installation to reduce the concentration of VOCs in indoor air.

In addition to the above, biological contaminants such as mould and mildew can grow on water-damaged building materials and furnishings, leading to health issues such as allergic reactions and respiratory illnesses. It is important to maintain proper humidity levels and regularly clean and dry water-damaged materials to prevent the growth of biological contaminants.

Overall, using unsafe building materials and furnishings can significantly contribute to indoor air pollution and pose risks to human health. It is crucial to select and maintain building materials and furnishings that are safe and do not emit harmful pollutants.

Using unsafe cleaning products

The use of unsafe cleaning products can introduce hundreds of hazardous chemicals into the air you breathe. These chemicals can contaminate indoor air two to five times more than outdoor air, with some estimates reaching up to ten times more. The health effects of exposure to these chemicals include respiratory issues, increased risk of asthma, and even lung cancer.

To reduce indoor air pollution and protect your health, it is essential to choose cleaning products wisely. Opt for "green" and "fragrance-free" products, as these emit fewer VOCs. Avoid products with pine or citrus oils, as they can react with ozone to produce formaldehyde and ultrafine particles, which are harmful to your health.

Additionally, it is important to follow safety guidelines when using any cleaning products. Ensure adequate ventilation during and after cleaning, and consider using personal protective equipment, such as masks and gloves. Rinse surfaces with water after cleaning to remove any residual cleaning agents, and always store cleaning products safely, out of the reach of children and pets.

By making conscious choices about the cleaning products you use and adopting safe handling practices, you can effectively reduce indoor air pollution and create a healthier living environment for yourself and your family.

Using unsafe combustion appliances

Unvented combustion appliances, including most gas stoves, kerosene heaters, and charcoal grills, are significant sources of indoor pollution. These appliances release combustion pollutants directly into the home, leading to high levels of harmful substances. Using a gas stove or oven for home heating, for example, can produce hazardous levels of indoor air pollutants and increase energy costs.

Even vented combustion appliances, such as furnaces, wood stoves, and gas water heaters, can contribute to indoor pollution if not properly designed, installed, or maintained. Blocked or leaking chimneys or vents can cause pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide to spill into the living space, posing serious health risks.

To reduce indoor air pollution from combustion appliances, it is essential to ensure proper ventilation. This includes using exhaust fans, maintaining range hoods above stoves, and regularly cleaning or replacing air filters. Additionally, choosing "sealed combustion" or "direct vent" gas appliances can help keep combustion products from entering the home.

It is also crucial to keep tobacco smoke, kerosene heaters, and charcoal grills away from living areas. These sources of indoor pollution can increase the risk of lung cancer and respiratory problems, especially for children, pregnant women, and individuals with heart or lung diseases.

By following these guidelines and maintaining combustion appliances properly, you can significantly improve indoor air quality and reduce health risks associated with unsafe combustion appliances.

Poor ventilation and filtration

Inadequate Ventilation Increases Indoor Pollutants

Poor ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by preventing outdoor air from entering and diluting emissions from indoor sources. High temperatures and humidity levels further exacerbate this issue, leading to higher concentrations of certain pollutants. This is particularly problematic in homes designed to minimise outdoor air infiltration, as pollutant levels can quickly rise without sufficient ventilation.

Infiltration and Natural Ventilation

Infiltration, the process of outdoor air entering through cracks and openings, is an important factor in promoting good air quality. Natural ventilation, such as opening windows and doors, can help moderate indoor temperatures and improve air quality by reducing indoor pollutants. However, in certain weather conditions, natural ventilation may not be sufficient, and mechanical means may be necessary to ensure adequate ventilation.

Mechanical Ventilation Systems

Advanced designs for new homes are incorporating mechanical systems to bring outdoor air inside. These include energy-efficient heat recovery ventilators that mitigate the cost of heating and cooling. These systems are crucial in ensuring a healthy indoor environment, especially in tightly constructed or weatherised homes, where the risk of pollutant build-up is higher.

Impact on Health

Indoor air pollution has been linked to various health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Vulnerable groups such as the young, elderly, and chronically ill are particularly susceptible to the effects of indoor air pollution. By improving ventilation and filtration, we can reduce the concentration of pollutants and mitigate potential health risks.

Strategies to Improve Ventilation and Filtration

To enhance indoor air quality, it is recommended to increase the amount of outdoor air coming indoors. This can be achieved through natural ventilation, such as opening windows and doors, or mechanical means like outdoor-vented fans and air handling systems. Additionally, local exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms can help remove contaminants directly from specific rooms, improving overall indoor air quality.

Using unsafe consumer products

Volatile Chemicals in Cleaning Products

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), toxic air contaminants (TACs), and greenhouse gases (GHGs) are emitted from chemically formulated consumer products, including detergents, cleaning agents, polishes, and disinfectants. These chemicals can be harmful through direct exposure or by reacting with other chemicals in the air to form dangerous by-products. Formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, is one such by-product. It is essential to use cleaning agents that meet the US EPA's Safer Product Standards and to limit the use of products containing pine or citrus oils, which can react with ozone to produce harmful pollutants.

Air Fresheners and Indoor Air Cleaners

Air fresheners and indoor air cleaners can sometimes do more harm than good. Air fresheners, particularly those containing terpenes, can react with ozone to produce formaldehyde and ultrafine particles, which are harmful to health. Additionally, some indoor air cleaners intentionally produce ozone, which can be detrimental to respiratory health. It is recommended to avoid using such products and instead opt for natural ventilation or exhaust fans to improve indoor air quality.

Inadequate Ventilation

Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels. If your home is designed to minimize the amount of outdoor air infiltration, pollutant levels can build up. It is crucial to ensure proper ventilation by opening windows, using exhaust fans, and maintaining mechanical ventilation systems. Natural ventilation through open windows and doors can help reduce indoor pollutant levels.

Combustion Sources

Indoor combustion sources, such as gas stoves, furnaces, and space heaters, can emit harmful pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. It is essential to use exhaust fans over gas stoves and keep burners properly adjusted. Additionally, consider purchasing vented space heaters and always ensure proper ventilation when using combustion appliances.

Pesticides and Insecticides

Pesticides and insecticides used indoors can contribute to indoor air pollution. These chemicals can have harmful effects on human health, especially for children and individuals with respiratory issues. It is important to follow instructions carefully, provide adequate ventilation, and dispose of unused or partially used containers safely.

Frequently asked questions