We are all aware of air pollution. We only talk about outside air pollution, which is bad for your health, But indoor air quality (IAQ) can also be impacted by pollution. In this article, we will discuss about the impacts of indoor air pollution on human health and its solution.
“Indoor air quality” refers to the quality of the air in a home, school, office, or other building environment. The potential impact of indoor air quality on human health nationally can be noteworthy for several reasons. Some symptoms of unhealthy indoor air quality include headaches, irritation of your ears, nose, and throat, and dizziness.
Sources:
While outdoor sources dominates discussion, indoor sources also significantly effect air pollution. It include:
- Fuel-burning combustion appliances
- Tobacco products
- Building materials and furnishings
- Products for household cleaning and maintenance, personal care, or hobbies
- Central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices
- Excess moisture
- Outdoor sources such as: Pesticides and Outdoor air pollution.
It can enter buildings through open doors, open windows, ventilation systems, and cracks in structures. For example, harmful smoke from chimneys can re-enter homes to pollute the air in the home and other homes in a neighborhood.
Effects on Human Health
Both short- and long-term exposure to poor indoor air pollution can cause a range of health issues, including irritation of the eyes and throat, headache, respiratory diseases, heart disease, cognitive deficits, and cancer. People with respiratory or heart conditions, as well as the elderly, children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the effects of poor indoor air quality. Ensuring good indoor air quality is therefore critical for protecting these vulnerable populations.
As one prominent example, the World Health Organization estimates 3.8 million people worldwide die every year from illnesses attributable to harmful indoor air from dirty cookstoves and fuel.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
Improving indoor air quality is crucial for maintaining health, comfort, and productivity. Here are practical and effective steps you can take:
- Improve ventilation: Ensure proper airflow by opening windows and using exhaust fans. Keeping the air flowing in your home offers a simple way to improve your air quality.
- Use an air purifier: Use high efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filters to reduce particulate matter and allergens. It filters may remove more than 99 percent of harmful particles from your air.
- Control humidity level: Maintain indoor humidity levels between 30%-50% to prevent mold growth.
- Regular Cleaning: Vacuum with a HEPA filter, dust surfaces, and wash bedding.
- Avoid Smoking Indoors: Eliminate tobacco smoke inside the house as it contain harmful chemicals.
- Choose Low-VOC Products: Use low-VOC paints, adhesives, and cleaning products. Store chemicals and paints outside the living area.
- Test for Radon: Install a radon detection system, especially in basements.
- Use indoor plants effectively: Certain plants like spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies can naturally improve air quality by absorbing toxins. However, avoid plants if they contribute to mold or allergies.
- Monitor Air Quality: Use air quality monitors to track pollutants and take timely corrective measures.
By implementing these steps, you can significantly enhance the air quality in your home, gym or workspace, leading to healthier living and better overall well-being.