People spend about 90% of their time indoors. While smoky skies and hay fever dominate the news cycle, indoor air pollution is just as important and often much harder to avoid. Smoke, steam, mold, etc. all affect indoor air quality and can lead to long-term health effects.
So what is indoor air pollution? How does it affect you? How can you improve the indoor air quality in your home? Whether you live in a house in Boston or an apartment in Round Rock, Texas, read on to learn more.
What is indoor air pollution?
Indoor air pollution is air that comes from indoors or outdoors that is harmful to breathe. It is usually caused by chemicals, particles, bacteria, and viruses in the air. Many of these pollutants are found in everyday products and chemicals and are difficult to avoid.
Additionally, outdoor air pollutants often leak indoors, impacting indoor air quality. Green, energy-efficient homes may offer some protection. These homes often use higher-quality building materials, better insulation, and newer HVAC systems that can reduce and eliminate chemicals and particles. However, there is no perfect solution.
Indoor air pollution can cause mild to severe health effects that can last from one day to a lifetime. Even brief exposure to pollution can cause symptoms such as headaches and runny nose. Some appear after years of exposure.
What causes indoor air pollution?
Indoor air pollution is caused by biological and chemical causes. Let’s break them down:
Biological sources of indoor air pollution
Mold Animal dander and saliva Bacteria Dust mites Viruses Bed bugs Pollen Insect excrement
“One of the most commonly overlooked sources of indoor air pollution is hidden mold growth behind walls, under floors, or within HVAC systems,” warns Green Home Solutions. “Because these areas are invisible, homeowners often don’t realize a problem exists until it becomes widespread. In some cases, certain molds can also produce mycotoxins, which are microscopic, invisible compounds that affect indoor air quality.”
chemical indoor air pollution sources
Carbon monoxide Lead Carbon dioxide Arsenic Ozone (residual) Tobacco smoke Radon (residual) Asbestos Pesticides Volatile organic compounds (VOC)
Other factors to consider
Levels of indoor air pollution vary greatly depending on where you live. If you live near a large industrial area, you are likely to experience higher levels of residual air pollution than someone who lives on a hill near water.
Studies have shown that air pollution and economic status are linked, with lower income groups being more exposed to air pollution. Additionally, older homes with poor insulation and less efficient appliances often produce more air pollution.
Finally, temperature, humidity, and humidity can influence the severity of air pollutants. For example, warmer temperatures can increase the levels of allergens in the outdoor air, especially bacteria and pollen, which can then enter your home. High humidity also increases the concentration of toxic chemicals in the air, providing a favorable environment for dust mites.
What are VOCs?
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a large group of chemicals found in many everyday products. VOCs slowly release harmful gases (“off-gases”) that can cause serious long-term adverse health effects such as cancer and other chronic diseases. Many VOCs occur in higher concentrations (up to 5 times) indoors than outdoors, regardless of where you live.
Common VOCs
Benzene Tetrachloroethylene Ethylene glycol Toluene Formaldehyde Xylene Methylene chloride 1,3-butadiene PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl)
Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to avoid contact with VOCs. The best option is to increase ventilation, limit exposure, and store unused chemicals and hazardous products outdoors or in an enclosed area. If possible, choose products made from natural materials that do not contain harmful chemicals.
Common products containing VOCs
Office equipment Ink, toner, printer, copy machine, copy paper, adhesive, permanent marker Building materials Patin, varnish, adhesive, composite wood products, interior decoration, foam, refrigerant, carpet, vinyl Daily necessities Various clothing (especially waterproof clothing), cosmetics, air fresheners, refrigerant Petroleum products Gasoline, petroleum, many plastics
Effects of indoor air pollution
Poor indoor air quality can lead to a variety of health problems. These include short-term and long-term effects such as:
Inflammation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Headache, fatigue, dizziness. Cancer, respiratory diseases, pneumonia, heart disease. Asthma causes both mild and severe forms.
The most common indoor air pollutants that cause adverse health effects are radon, carbon monoxide, Legionella, cigarette smoke, and particulates.
Green Home Solutions says, “Persistent allergy-like symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, headaches, and fatigue can be important indicators, especially if symptoms improve outside of the home. You may also notice increased dust accumulation, condensation on windows, or unreliable airflow throughout your home. These early clues often indicate underlying moisture or ventilation issues.”
Correlations between pollutants and their effects are difficult to prove and many are poorly studied. The best thing to do is to limit your exposure to as many pollutants as possible and seek treatment if you begin to feel the effects.
Air pollution in the home: a room-by-room analysis
Common pollutants flow throughout the home and vary from room to room. For example, mold can grow faster in attics and bathrooms, gas leaks are more likely to occur in kitchens, and bacteria levels can increase in rooms with poor circulation.
Unfortunately, there is no easy way to take a complete air quality sample to determine the number of pollutants in every room of your home. Even with expert testing, it is nearly impossible to determine a cause-and-effect relationship between pollutants and their effects.
Your best bet is to reduce the number of pollutants in your home. Below is a breakdown of common pollutants by room.
kitchen
Kitchens are a major source of indoor air pollution. Be especially careful if you have a gas stove, compost bin, or dirty ventilation system. Gas stoves emit carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, and pipes can leak methane. Keep your kitchen clean and prevent pests and other insects from entering your home.
attic
Attics are often forgotten about, but they can generate a lot of pollutants, especially if you store hazardous chemicals. To avoid most risks, keep humidity below 50% and install ventilation to prevent moisture problems. Additionally, it keeps your attic clean and prevents pests from entering your home.
bathroom
Bathrooms are a source of moisture and mold. Bathrooms usually have vents, but they often get dirty or clogged and can do more harm than good. Poor cleaning and ventilation can lead to mold and other toxins.
bedroom
Bedrooms are commonly home to dust mites, other parasites, and VOCs. Dust mites live by sucking the old skin on your bedding and clothing, so be sure to wash them, keep your room clean, and dust them.
garage
Many people store chemical and biological contaminants such as enzymes, paint, and other building materials in their garages. These materials often contain VOCs, which release harmful gases into the air.
Also, to minimize dangerous exhaust fumes, idle your car outside your garage and keep your garage well-ventilated.
living and dining area
Pay attention to fireplaces, upholstery, and cleaning supplies. Without a dedicated outdoor air supply, contaminants from wood stoves and fireplaces can “backwash” into living areas. If your living room is in the basement, make sure there are no water leaks and adequate ventilation.
Fireplaces, gas stoves, grills, and space heaters can emit carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Install a carbon monoxide detector to ensure safety.
outdoor area
To prevent VOCs from spreading into your home, store yard and garden pesticides and fertilizers in your garage or outdoor shed. Always wear natural gloves when handling hazardous chemicals such as pesticides.
How to improve indoor air quality
Everything you bring into your home can affect the air quality throughout your home. Here are steps you can take to improve indoor air quality.
1. Switch to electronics
Appliances do not produce emissions such as methane or carbon dioxide. Additionally, eliminating natural gas from your home can help prevent gas leaks.
2. Upgrade appliances, building materials, and HVAC systems.
If you have the budget, one of the best solutions is to update your windows, flooring, insulation, and especially appliances.
3. Vent gas appliances outdoors
If you like to cook on a gas stove, be sure to vent your hood outdoors. Many stove hoods recirculate air instead of blowing it out.
4. Don’t burn things indoors
Open flames produce CO2, which affects human lungs. If conditions allow, please refrain from using fireplaces, candles, and lighters.
5. Create natural ventilation
Open windows, close blinds, and place a fan next to a window to circulate air.
6. Install an air purifier with a HEPA filter
Air purifiers cannot remove pollutants, but they can reduce them to safe levels. For best results, be sure to choose a filter that filters down to 0.3 microns.
7. Buy an indoor air quality monitor
Indoor air quality monitors can detect pollutants ranging from radon to PM2.5. Additionally, download the EPA’s Air Quality app for early warnings about air quality in your area.
8. Replace HVAC and air purifier filters
Change your filters at least every three months, depending on your local air quality.
9. Clean regularly
Vacuum, dust, and wipe once a week. Do this more often if you have pets or children, or if you have a large home. Pay special attention to porous surfaces such as upholstery and bedding.
10. Switch to natural detergents
Products that are free of artificial preservatives, flavors, and other harmful chemicals are best. If you must use unhealthy detergents, store them outdoors or in a protected area.
11. Give your pet a bath
Bathing your pet may seem like a daunting task, but it’s a proven way to reduce or eliminate pet dander that can worsen allergies.
12. Use a doormat
Doormats collect dust and debris from people entering your home.
13. Choose eco-friendly materials and furniture
Look for eco-friendly building materials such as bamboo and wool upholstery. Unlike polyester or synthetic leather covers, these natural materials do not produce VOCs.
Final thoughts on indoor air pollution
Indoor air quality is a major health concern, with both short- and long-term impacts. Unfortunately, many everyday products and materials contribute to poor air quality and are difficult to eliminate. However, there are many ways to reduce indoor air pollution, including regular cleaning, switching to organic and natural cleaners, and installing air filters.
Most importantly, be careful what you bring into your home. Do your research, scrutinize products, and switch to electronics if possible. This not only improves air quality, but also the quality of life.
Redfin does not provide medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding your health.
