Poor indoor air quality causes indoor air pollution that is very harmful and affects the health, comfort, and well-being of the building occupants. This is especially true in industrialized countries where people spend more than 90% time in indoor of the office time. This Indoor air quality affects our health remarkably, we should overlook that. Outdoor air can be monitored and however, there is no process to measure indoor air quality.
Let’s explore the causes, health impacts, and solutions to reduce indoor air pollution.
1. Causes of Indoor Air Pollution
One of the main causes is various toxic and irritating chemicals. These impurities can come from regular items and activities, including:
- Combustion sources: Combustion sources like cooking on gas stoves, burning candles, or using biomass fuels (common in rural areas).
- Household products: Many cleaning supplies products, paints, and sprays release chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are the most harmful to health.
- Smoke: Even in homes, residues from smoking can linger, especially if the smoke flows into furniture and walls.
- Outdoor impurities: Outdoor air pollution doesn’t stay outside. Impurities like particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen oxide can enter indoor spaces and worsen air quality.
- Biological contaminants: Molds, dust mites, pet dander, and pollen are allergens that build up indoors, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces.
2. Indoor Air Pollution Related Health Problems
Indoor air pollution is linked to various illnesses and symptoms. Some people may experience symptoms tied to specific buildings or spaces, a phenomenon called building-related illness. Common illnesses caused by indoor air pollution include:
- Respiratory issues: Many people may suffer from respiratory issues ranging from mild symptoms like a stuffy nose to severe conditions like asthma and pneumonia.
- Skin problems: Conditions like dermatitis and dry, itchy skin can develop or increase in polluted indoor environments.
- Fatigue and concentration issues: Indoor Impurities can cause fatigue, dizziness, and even headaches.
- Legionnaires’ disease: This is a serious condition caused by the Legionella bacteria, which mainly grow in contaminated air-conditioning systems.
In addition to specific illnesses, people can experience general symptoms, such as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, chest congestion, and difficulty breathing.
3. Indoor Air Pollution and Outdoor Air Quality: The Connection
Outdoor air pollution is a major contributor to indoor air quality. Pollutants from outside easily find their way indoors, especially in areas with high pollution levels. Common outdoor impurities that increase the indoor air quality include:
- Particulate matter (PM): Small particles that can stick deep into the lungs.
- Ozone: This is a harmful gas that can exacerbate respiratory issues.
- Carbon monoxide: A dangerous, odorless gas that can cause serious health problems nowadays, especially in industrial areas.
- Nitrogen and sulfur oxides: These gases can cause respiratory symptoms which is increases the chance of asthma.
When outdoor pollution is high, even opening windows for ventilation can bring more pollutants indoors, creating a dilemma. This makes it challenging to keep indoor air clean, especially in urban areas with high levels of outdoor air pollution.
4. Ventilation
Good ventilation is essential for increasing indoor air quality. Proper ventilation can help remove indoor pollutants impurities and allergens which is conducted in fresh air from outside. However, in polluted areas, ventilation can also introduce outdoor pollutants into the home. This is an advantage in disguise to decide whether to keep windows open or closed. When the outdoor air quality is poor, this time the open windows can increase the chance of polluted indoor air. But without ventilation, indoor pollutants and impurities can spread.
5. Improve Indoor Air Quality
There are ways to reduce indoor air pollution:
- Air purifiers: Using High-quality air purifiers can help filter out particles of impurities and allergens.
- Humidity control: Very dry air can irritate the skin and respiratory tract. Try to maintain a humidity level between 30-50% to improve indoor air quality.
- Choose non-toxic cleaning products: Focus on an eco-friendly cleaning process with fewer chemicals, and avoid sprays when possible.
- Maintain ventilation systems: Regularly clean and service systems to prevent bacteria like Legionella from spreading.
- Reduce indoor smoking: Avoid smoking indoors to limit exposure to toxic tobacco smoke.
Conclusion
Indoor air pollution is mainly invisible, it can not be shown but it’s very harmful to our health. People spend the of their most of time in the office indoors or in homes, so understanding and managing indoor air quality is essential for our future health. With small changes and staying aware of pollution sources. A healthy indoor space can reduce the risks associated with indoor air pollution. Ventilation can limit impurity sources, ensuring our homes and offices remain safe, comfortable, and suitable for breathing.
