Indoor air pollution is becoming a growing concern in the modern world, especially in developing countries. The situation is alarming as individuals are thought to be spending nearly 90 per cent of their time indoors. Spending time within four walls can lead to a group of medical disorders due to elevated indoor air pollution. It may result in coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing and similar ailments. Common sources of indoor air pollution include cigarettes, toxic cleaning products and more. Today let’s take a look at the major indoor air pollution-causing factors and how you can tackle them to ensure a safer environment.
Indoor air pollution: Causes
Several factors could result in air pollution inside closed walls. They include –
Smoking
One of the primary factors causing indoor air pollution is the smoke from cigarettes, cigars and pipes. Tobacco comprises several harmful chemicals that can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other cardiovascular diseases when inhaled.
Cooking stoves
Another common yet overlooked source of indoor air pollution is cooking stoves. In developing countries, several families are still stuck with solid fuels such as wood, coal and dung. These are often burned indoors for cooking and heating purposes. These stoves have links to several health problems such as cancer, heart disease, asthma and respiratory infections.
Cleaning products
Yes, you heard that right. Cleaning products can pollute the air indoors. These artificial products contain chemicals that release toxic fumes. These chemicals can also cause respiratory infections, asthma and cancer. Many cleaning products also have volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in them. They easily evaporate at room temperature, making you prone to long-term health effects.
Mould
Another indoor air pollutant, mould is found in damp and humid environments. They can grow inside the home on walls, floors, ceilings and basements. They can cause allergies, infections and asthma.
Indoor air pollution: How to tackle it?
Here are some ways you can tackle air pollution inside your home/office –
Ventilation
The easiest yet most effective way of reducing indoor air pollution is proper ventilation. It helps in removing polluted indoor air and replacing it with fresh air from outside. If the insides aren’t ventilated properly, the pollutants can keep building up and cause health problems.
Indoor plants
Having Indoor plants at your home is an effective way of reducing indoor pollutants. These plants will absorb all the contaminants and release oxygen. These plants also increase humidity and reduce dust levels to improve the overall quality of the indoor air.
Use green cleaners
You can replace some of your conventional cleaning products with green cleaners. These products are made with natural ingredients such as white vinegar, baking soda etc. They are effective in cleaning without carrying the harmful side effects of artificial cleaners.
