Generally, we assume that air pollution is something related to outside of our homes. However, it is fact that more often than not, the air inside our house is more polluted than what it is on the outside. Pollution inside the house can be in the form of dust, radon, VOCs and formaldehyde. We will now look at the common pollutants and things to do to improve quality of air inside the house.
Common Indoor Pollutants
Combustion Pollutants:
These consist of gases originating from burning of different types of materials such as woodstoves, dryers, fireplaces and water heaters, which do not vent correctly. The amount as well as type of pollutant depends largely on the appliance being used and how well it is being maintained. Some of the combustion pollutants that are odorless as well as colorless are nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide.
Volatile Organic Compounds:
VOCs are different organic chemicals, which are discharged in the form of gases from many of the household products such as paints, cleaning supplies, furnishings, adhesives, air fresheners and solvents. Some of the most common volatile organic compounds are formaldehyde, acetone, methylene chloride and benzene.
Allergy Triggers:
Some such triggers consist of dust mites, mold, pet dander, mold and pollen. There could be mold growing in curtains, dust mites in soft toys or in pets like dogs and cats.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
Reduce Chemical Pollutants
- Do not smoke inside the house.
- Opt for “No VOC” products certified by Green Seal or GreenGuard.
- Avoid harsh cleaners and those with strong fragrance.
- Perform activities such as hobby soldering, rock polishing or paint stripping outside the house.
- Do not use wax candles, which are petroleum based or the synthetic air fresheners. Rather use simmer pots, beeswax candles that do not emit harmful chemicals.
- Properly enclose or seal sources, which have asbestos and adjust gas stoves to reduce the emissions.
Stay Clean
- Purchase bedding that is machine washable and wash bed sheets and pillows on weekly basis to lower occurrence of allergens.
- Remove shoes outside the house to avoid bringing dust inside the home.
- For optimum dust removal, use HEPA vacuum cleaners.
- Use less of carpets and wherever necessary, use low-pile rugs.
Moisture Control
- Try to maintain relative humidity at less than sixty percent by using dehumidifiers and clean them regularly.
- Fix all the leaks immediately.
- In case of water damage, remove wet material as well as get all porous material dried within the next two days. If mold grows at any place, replace it right away.
- At the time of taking shower, switch on the exhaust fans for the bathroom.
- Make sure house plants are not over-watered which can lead to mold growth.
Right Ventilation
- Try to open windows and door whenever possible to let fresh air in.
- Ensure mechanical filters are working as required and fitted properly.
- Use air systems, which provide right filtration and are able to keep dust levels in check. Air cleaners like ion generators need to have certification as per UL 867 and release minimum amount of ozone into the atmosphere.
- Make sure to vent fireplaces, exhaust fans or heaters properly and they are at good distance from heating ventilation or HVAC intakes.
- At the time of purchasing air cleaners, make sure it has excellent rate of air circulation and collector with good efficiency.
Summary:
If we want to stay healthy then it is important to ensure that air inside the house is free of pollutants and harmful chemicals. We spend most of our time inside the house so it is important that we make it livable.
