Keeping our homes clean and hygienic is always a top priority in order to ensure a healthy living environment. But with pollution levels ever on the rise, merely removing dust and dirt from surfaces is not enough for a healthy environment. Air pollution is also a cause for concern for indoor spaces. However, dealing with indoor air pollution is not as daunting as it sounds. You can easily understand its causes and get rid of them for a healthier living space. In this article, we will decode the basics of indoor air quality for you and help you understand how you can improve it.
See also: A guide to air cleaners for improving indoor air quality
Causes of indoor air pollution
Poor indoor air quality can be caused by a mix of several factors. Understanding these causes is the first step towards addressing them correctly:
Inadequate ventilation
If your house is not well-ventilated, you might have to deal with a buildup of indoor air pollutants. The absence of proper airflow allows pollutants to accumulate and linger in the indoor environment without an escape.
Indoor pollution sources
Tobacco smoke, cooking and heating appliances, building materials, furniture, carpets, cleaning products and regular use of paints are some indoor sources from daily life that can release pollutants into the air.
Outdoor pollution
Pollutants from the outdoor environment can also enter and impact indoor air quality. These include vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions and pollen that might enter inside through windows, doors and ventilation systems.
Moisture and dampness
Accumulation of excess moisture can create an environment conducive to the growth of mould, mildew and dust mites, These are known for releasing allergens and irritants into the and contributing to poor air quality.
Biological contaminants
Areas with poor ventilation and high humidity can foster the growth of dander, pollen, bacteria, viruses and similar microorganisms that can thrive in indoor environments and pose a health risk.
Chemical pollutants
Household products like paints, solvents and adhesives emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can add to indoor air pollution. Yet another such common pollutant is formaldehyde, that is found in specific building materials and furnishings.
Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas that tends to seep into building structures from the ground. It can accumulate indoors and pose serious health risks, such as causing lung cancer.
Inadequate filtration
If you have an air filtration system that is not properly maintained, it might be doing more harm than good to the indoor air quality. Unmaintained systems may fail to capture and remove airborne pollutants effectively and just facilitate their circulation throughout the indoor environment.
Occupant activities
Regular activities undertaken by the occupants of the house, such as cooking, cleaning and smoking, might also release pollutants into the air, thereby affecting the indoor air quality.
HVAC systems
HVAC systems that are not properly installed, cleaned or maintained can facilitate the distribution of pollutants throughout the space. This can significantly worsen the indoor air quality.
Ways to improve indoor air quality
Improving indoor air quality does not have to be difficult. Regular maintenance and cleaning should suffice to keep indoor air pollution at bay. Here is a detailed guide on how you can improve indoor air quality:
Increase ventilation
Allow fresh outdoor air to circulate inside and dilute the pollutants by opening the doors and windows whenever possible. In moisture-prone areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, make sure to have additional mechanical ventilation like exhaust fans to remove moisture and pollutants generated during activities like cooking or showering. Installing a whole-house ventilation system such as a heat or energy recovery ventilator can ensure continuous fresh air exchange and minimise energy loss.
Control indoor humidity
Dehumidifiers can help in controlling the humidity levels in areas prone to high humidity levels, such as basements or bathrooms. Ideal humidity levels should be between 30 – 50% to prevent mould and dust mite growth. Removing excess moisture can go a long way in improving indoor air quality.
Regular cleaning
It is recommended to vacuum carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture regularly using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. This helps in trapping airborne particles like dust, pet dander and other allergens. Capture and remove dust particles without dispersing them into the air by dusting surfaces with a damp or electrostatic cloth.
Reduce indoor pollution sources
Minimise the emission of harmful chemicals into the indoor air by going for eco-friendly or low-VOC varieties of household and cleaning products. Since cigarette smoke is a significant air pollutant, restrict indoor smoking and encourage smoking cessation to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke.
Limit indoor combustion
While using gas stoves, ovens or firep;aces, ensure proper ventilation to reduce buildup of harmful combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Monitor the levels of carbon monoxide in your home by installing detectors to identify elevated levels and alert the occupants of potential hazards.
Maintain HVAC systems
Ensure proper functioning of HVAC systems by scheduling regular inspection and maintenance. Check the working of filters, ductwork and coils to ensure nothing is damaged as they may trap and circulate pollutants. Replace the filters periodically as mentioned by the manufacturer and consider using high quality HEPA filters for efficient entrapment of airborne contaminants.
Use air purifiers
Portable air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters can capture and remove airborne contaminants like dust, pollen, pet dander, mould spores and allergens in the most efficient manner. To ensure maximum effectiveness, consider placing the air purifier in rooms that are frequently occupied and experience high air pollution.
Bring in plants
Several indoor plants are known for their air-purifying properties by removing pollutants from the air. Spider plants, peace lilies, snake plants and pothos are some plants you can consider to improve indoor air quality that thrive on minimal maintenance. Position these plants strategically throughout the space to reap the maximum benefits of their aesthetic appeal and functional properties.
Test for radon
Test your home’s radon levels with a testing kit purchased from a reputable supplier or consult a certified radon measurement professional to do the same. If elevated levels are detected, implement appropriate mitigation measures such as sealing any cracks in the foundation and installing a mechanical mitigation system. These can help reduce indoor radon concentrations and minimise health risks posed by them.
FAQs
What are the most common indoor air pollutants?
Apart from common pollutants like dust, pollen, mould and pet dander, VOCs and formaldehyde are pollutants that are often found in indoor air. Byproducts of combustion such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are also common.
What are some affordable ways to improve indoor air quality?
Practices like ensuring ventilation by opening windows and using exhaust fans, regularly cleaning and vacuuming, using low-VOC products and limiting indoor combustion can help improve indoor air quality without breaking the bank.
How effective are air purifiers?
Air purifiers, especially the ones equipped with HEPA filters, are significantly effective in trapping and removing air pollutants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mould spores and VOCs.
Can houseplants improve indoor air quality?
House plants like spider plants, peace lilies, snake plants and pothos can help remove indoor air pollutants when combined with proper ventilation and filtration.
How often should I replace air filters in my HVAC system?
While the frequency varies according to several factors, it is recommended to clean or change HVAC filters for best results. HEPA filters may last longer but inspection is nevertheless recommended.
How can I reduce allergens in my home?
Using allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers, washing bedding regularly, vacuuming carpets and upholstery and maintaining optimal humidity levels can help reduce allergens in your home.
What are some signs that indicate poor indoor air quality?
Look out for persistent odours, visible mould growth, excessive dust buildup and frequent allergy symptoms or respiratory issues to detect poor indoor air quality.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
Riddhi Chatterji is currently pursuing a master’s degree in English literature from University of Delhi. Her meticulous attention to detail and the desire to make a learning experience out of every opportunity has allowed her to work with different forms of textual content for digital platforms, ranging from social media to news desks. When not working or studying , you can find her with her head buried in a book, discovering new music and movies, or out and about exploring the city on the metro.
