Indoor air quality is a matter of
concern in all homes. The effects of indoor air on health haven’t had the
attention it deserves. Until recently, nobody even spared a thought to indoor
air quality, not even considering that the indoors can get polluted. Pollution
was always connected with outdoor air, the indoors were, apparently, more
healthy.
How do the indoors get polluted?
All indoors can get polluted,
giving rise to serious health hazards.
Various studies suggest that the risks from poor quality indoor air can
be substantially higher when compared with outdoor contamination. Pollutants in
the indoor air can emanate from different sources, such as the fabric of
buildings, combustion due to heating or fuel, and infiltration from outside,
through water, air, or soil. Some indoor pollutants could be chemicals, living
organisms like mold and pests, and gases.
House dust mites can be a major
cause for indoor air pollution. These are usually found in bedding, carpet, and
furniture. These thrive the most in coastal areas where the humidity is high.
Indoor air pollutants also
include radioactive gas formed in the soil- radon – which is the leading cause
of lung cancer among those who do not smoke. Radon can enter inside your house
through cracks and openings in floors and walls in contact with the ground.
Another major cause is secondhand
smoke that comes from burning tobacco or tobacco products. The smoke can cause
serious respiratory illnesses and even cancer.
Space heaters, woodstoves, water
heaters, gas stoves, dryers, and fireplaces in homes can also be a major source
of air pollution. The amount of pollutants that can be produced from these
appliances depends on the type and installation of the appliance. Maintenance
of the appliance also plays a major role in release of pollutants in the indoor
air.
The indoor may be polluted with
volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are chemicals often found in paints
and paint strippers, lacquers, cleaning supplies, varnishes, pesticides, office
equipment, and repellents. Some air fresheners and dry-cleaned clothing can
also be a source of VOC.
Volatile organic compounds
irritate the eyes, nose and throat, and cause headaches, nausea, and damage to
the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Some of them can cause cancer.
How can you improve your indoor air quality?
Cleanliness - the magic word to
control indoor air pollution.
Careful inspection of the
building to look for the presence of damp or moist surfaces and any visible
moulds is the first step. Sampling the surfaces with sterile swabs where you
suspect that moisture or mould could be present is another step that with help
in determining the presence of fungal and microorganisms.
Controlling the different sources
of pollution is the most effective way to improve indoor air quality.
Increasing the ventilation of the
house and bringing in fresh air will help in reducing indoor pollutants.
Whenever the weather permits, keep your windows and doors open. You can also
run the air conditioner keeping the vent control open. Having exhaust fans in
bathrooms and kitchens that will flush the air outdoors will also increase the
ventilation and reduce indoor pollutants.
Clean the air filters of your air
conditioners regularly. If required, change them regularly they are clean and
no dust is trapped within.
Adjusting the indoor humidity can
also decrease indoor air pollutants. High humidity increase the moisture in the
air and the dampness will increase the cultivation of mold. The best way to do
this is to maintain the indoor humidity between 30 and 50%. You could use a
moisture or humidity gauge, to check the indoor air humidity.
These are some steps you could
follow to maintain healthy indoor air quality in your homes.
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