Why Indoor Air Pollution might be more Concerning than Outdoor Air Pollution

Indoor air quality is often neglected despite its significant impact on our health and wellbeing, because it’s rarely in the news. Spending a considerable amount of time inside our homes or workplaces means that the quality of the air we breathe should be a top priority. The air inside buildings can contain a variety of pollutants and airborne contaminants, such as dust, pollen, pet dander, volatile organic compounds, radon, and carbon monoxide, that can originate from various sources, including cleaning products, cooking, and construction materials.

There are several reasons why indoor air quality is crucial:

Health: Poor air quality can lead to various health problems, ranging from headaches and fatigue to respiratory infections, asthma, and even cancer. Improving the air we breathe can help minimize the risk of these issues and enhance our overall well being. It can help to pay attention to what may be triggering symptoms.

Comfort: High levels of pollutants and other contaminants in the air can result in unpleasant odors, stuffy air, and allergic reactions, making it challenging to relax and enjoy our living spaces. While we may enjoy some of the scents from cleaning…they are likely to be detrimental to your health.

Energy efficiency: Improving indoor air quality can help our heating and cooling systems run more efficiently by reducing the build-up of dirt and debris in HVAC systems, which can reduce energy bills.

Environmental impact: Poor indoor air quality can contribute to climate change and other environmental issues. By creating a more sustainable living space with better air quality, we can minimize our impact on the environment.

To improve indoor air quality, we can take the following steps:

Regular cleaning: Regular cleaning, including vacuuming carpets and rugs, dusting surfaces, and wiping down hard surfaces, can help reduce the build-up of dust and other pollutants in our homes.

Proper ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining good air quality. We can open windows to let in fresh air and use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to remove excess moisture and odors. If you use traditional cleaners, you may want to consider opening the windows while you clean.

Use of air purifiers: Air purifiers can remove pollutants and other contaminants from the air in our homes, especially useful for people with allergies or asthma.