Lockdown Day 15: Improve Air Quality In Your Home

As per the studies, around 90% of the people spend their maximum time indoors and it is believed that the air quality inside their home is five times polluted than the outdoor air. This polluted indoor air quality can cause adverse health effects when inhaled. There are innumerable ailments related to air pollution indoors; serious ailments like, asthma, allergies, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Cystic Fibrosis and many others have developed on a fast pace these days due to the polluted air indoors.

Apart from causing negative health effects, the indoor air pollution can also contribute to factors like the moisture, insect infestations, pet ailments and others. Various apartments in India are constructed in a crammed manner which results in the lack of proper ventilation and lighting. Various factors like indoor chemicals, smoke, products, appliances, furnishings and others also contribute to the pollution of indoor air. In order to elude creating your home a chaotic place, you should take various precautionary measures.

What is the concept of air quality?

The air quality control inside a home or outside is measured by the condition of the air relative to the necessities of more biotic species or a human’s need. The quality of air in a given location is tested through Air quality indices (AQI) which are numbers. The increased amount of AQI shows the excess of air pollution caused. People can opt for many options when there is an increase in the AQI level.

How do you know that the indoor air is polluted?

There are many factors through which one can observe the air contamination indoors. If you witness any of the below signs, it’s time for you to take a stringent action.

• Stale or suffocating air.
• Feeling unusually healthier outside.
• Unusual and nasty odours.
• Obvious lack of air movement.
• Excess humidity
• Damaged chemical pipes and chimneys
• Dirty/ faulty heating or air conditioning equipment indoors.
• Excess combustion from the fossil fuel appliances.
• Production of Moulds and mildews
• Negative health effects after the remodelling, new furniture installation, weatherizing or a move in the new home.

Which are the sources of indoor air quality problems?

The indoor air contamination is caused due to various reasons as mentioned earlier. The equipments and the objects placed in the home can contribute to the increase of air contamination. Few of the factors are;

• Moisture and other indoor aspects: Moisture and other biological pollutants are present all over the home on a great extent. Factors like mildew, moulds, dust mites, animal dander, and insects like cockroaches, inadequate ventilation, excess humidity, faulty air conditioners and humidifiers can lead to indoor air contamination.
• Incineration products in the home: There are various products and sources in your home which produce smoke and are combustible. Things like fossil fuels heaters, carbon monoxide, gas stoves, ovens, furnaces and other heaters produce a lot of heat and smoke which further results in indoor air contamination.
• Chemicals: Innumerable objects like electrical equipments, furniture and other cleaning materials in your home contain hazardous chemicals like formaldehyde in them. Other draperies, textiles, adhesives, paints, solvents, air fresheners, aerosol sprays, paints and cabinets also have perilous chemicals in them as they release volatile organic compounds (VOC).
• Chemicals around the home: There are various natural gases which are produced in the foundations of your home; gases like radon, radioactive gas and others are produced in the groundwater wells, building materials and so on. These factors also contribute in the contamination of the air indoors.
• The ceiling of your home: If your home roof is made up of asbestos and is older than 20 years old, it results in the deterioration or the damaging of the pipe insulation which also affect the floor and walls of the home.
• Natural factors like dust, pollen, wood stoves, combustible materials, fireplaces, heaters and gas equipments are other factors. Also most homes have tobacco smokers, who forms a major part of air contamination.

Tips on how to control air pollution at home?

• Indoor moisture: This is one of the major causes of air contamination indoors as this encourages biological pollutants like allergens, mildew, moulds, dust mites, insects and rodents. You should ensure that you eliminate excess amount of moisture in your home and install exhaust fans and other equipments which can keep the moisture away. You can also use a dehumidifier and clean away the moulds and mildew with natural cleansers like bleach and vinegar.
• Furniture care: Most of the furniture when brought home contains chemicals like formaldehyde gas, which has adverse effects on health. You can prevent this by enquiring about the formaldehyde content furniture before buying. Also press-wood furniture contains phenol resin and emits lesser formaldehyde. You can also get furniture which is coated with polyurethane or a laminated one.
• Floor care: Most homes have carpeted floors which are the main source for the growth of pollutants. A water damaged carpet or a new carpet can result in the production of gases. Keep the carpeted area clean and dry always and use natural adhesives. Ensure that the home is well ventilated and vacuumed regularly. Rugs can be used instead of wall-to-wall carpets. Talking about the tiles, avoid asbestos tiles and follow a regular clean-up of the floor tiles.
• Air-conditioner care: This can be one of the sources of the increase in allergens. To avoid this you can follow a regular cleaning routine and maintenance procedure. Also change the machinery parts frequently.
• Avoid smoking indoors: As smoke consists harmful substances and pollutants, it’s advisable to avoid smoking indoors or burn any combustible materials. Ensure proper ventilation in the home.
• Fabrics and upholstery: Most fabrics and upholstery in your home consist of chemicals which are harmful. To avoid this, ventilate the fabrics and the areas and maintain a moderate humidity and temperature.
• Pet care: Pets leave around allergens through their skin, hair and dander. Ensure that you keep them away or outside or clean the entire home regularly.

Apart from just these measures you should also keep a check on the factors like paint, dust mites, cleansers, personal care products, air fresheners, repellents, dry cleaned objects and pesticides and insecticides.

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