As people go about their daily lives, they are exposed to a number of health dangers. Some risks cannot be avoided. Some, though, we choose to accept, since doing so would limit our freedom to live our lives as we like. If we had the option to make informed decisions, we might choose to avoid some dangers. We may take steps to reduce indoor air pollution and exposure to harmful compounds in the house.
A rising body of scientific research has shown that the air inside homes and other structures can be more significantly contaminated than the air outside even the largest and most industrialized cities in recent years. As a result, for many people, the hazards of household air pollution may be larger than the risks coming from external pollution. People that have been exposed to indoor air pollution for the longest periods of time are also the ones who are most vulnerable to their consequences. The young, the old, and the chronically ill, particularly those with respiratory or cardiovascular disease, are examples of such groups.
Pollution of Indoor Air
In the modern home, there are many types of indoor air pollution. When not enough fresh air is allowed in to dilute emissions from interior sources and remove indoor air pollutants out from the home, air pollution levels in the residence rise. Furthermore, high temperatures and humidity might raise the concentration of certain contaminants. Two major types of pollutants, present in the households, are biological and chemical.
Biological contaminants
Biological pollution includes bacteria, molds, infections, pet dander, cat drool, dust mites, roaches, and pollen. These biological contaminants may have major health consequences. Some biological contaminants are spread through the air, such as measles, chickenpox, and influenza. The first two, however, are now vaccine-
preventable. Despite the development of vaccinations, influenza virus transmission remains a concern in congested indoor environments and can be influenced by
home ventilation levels. Pollen is a common pollutant that comes from plants and can cause sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, tiredness, fever, and stomach issues.
Pollutants containing chemicals
Tobacco smoke in the environment consists of benzene and small or micro particles. Secondhand cigarette smoke has been associated to irritation and coronary artery disease in adults, and it appears to exacerbate respiratory symptoms. It appears to be associated to sudden death syndrome and middle ear infections in children. Organophosphate insecticides, which are used to kill insects indoors, are applied to
cracks and crevices, and are found in insect strips, are another significant cause.
Furthermore, many consumer products and decaying materials like perfumes, deodorants, incense sticks, hair sprays generate volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Formaldehyde, benzene, and naphthalene are three of the most dangerous. The overall number of VOCs in the air could be used as a broad indicator of indoor air quality.
Total VOCs are not a suitable indicator for risk evaluation, since VOCmixes can vary greatly in composition. Some volatile organic molecules, such as fine and ultrafine particles, may combine with ozone to form secondary pollutants. At amounts observed in indoor air, some of these secondary pollutants induce irritation and poor perceived air quality.
Controlling Indoor Air Pollution: 5 Things to Know
Clean air filters on a regular basis
Cleaning and renewing furnaces, air conditioners, and other air filtration with well- fitting fresh air filters and the whole house filters on a regular basis is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to keep your home clean.
Maintain air changes and infuse fresh air
Fresh air is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality. Unlocking your doors or windows allows outside air to replenish the stale air inside your home. Fresh air is crucial, even if it is only for five to ten minutes.
Use HEPA purifiers should be used
Air purifiers limit your lungs' exposure to these dangerous particles, so boosting rather than lowering your immunity. Air purifiers help individuals breathe healthier and have a significant impact on their overall health by successfully removing pollutants such as PM2. 5, dust, bacteria, and virus. HEPA filters are tightly woven filters that can catch particles as small as 0.3 micrometers, making them ideal for hospitals and homes alike.
Maintain your home's humidity
It is advised that the humidity in your home be kept between 30% and 50% because anything less than 30% is too dry, and anything more than 50% is too damp. Your location, particularly if you live in a warmer or more tropical climate, can have a significant impact on the humidity in your home, so make the necessary adjustments.
Air Quality Monitoring
To know the gravity of the problem one need to monitor and evaluate the issue. Air Quality Monitors can help in knowing level of PH and other pollutants in the air.
Monitoring and Reducing air pollution are, hence, critical for appropriate household cleanliness, human and environmental health management.
(Kartik Singhal, founder, O2 Cure and Managing Director at Zeco Aircon Ltd.)
