What are the Sources of Indoor Air Pollution?

Sources Indoor Air Pollutnats

Indoor air pollution is one of the leading causes of health issues in the Indian sub-continent. The deteriorating air quality inside homes is mostly affecting women and children as they spend most of their time indoors. In urban city centres, the problem is made severe by pollutants from vehicular exhaust and industrial emissions. These hazardous particles can stay indoors for long periods of time without getting noticed.

The thing about air pollutants is that they can be hiding in plain sight. The particles that causes air pollution are so small that it is almost impossible to see them with naked eyes. But this invisibility also makes them all the more harmful for unsuspecting homeowners and office goers.

If you are also concerned about the rise in air pollution, here’s a list of the top ten sources of air pollution inside your home or office.

Carpeting & Upholstery

Carpets, curtains and velvet upholstery in homes and offices are the most common hiding places for dust and particulate matter. In damp conditions, these materials can also become a haven for bacterial and fungal growths, often causing a persistent odour.

Electronic Equipment & Plastics

Products made from a certain type of plastics also emit harmful elements that can cause hormonal dysfunction. Generally, Polyvinyl Chloride based plastic is known to emit phthalates, which are not good for the health of children, young adults and the elderly. That’s why checking the products for plastic quality is always advised.

Kitchen Stove & Cooking Activities

While natural gas is a relatively cleaner fuel than burning coal or using kerosene stoves, there is still a slight chance of carbon monoxide emissions as a by-product. Prolonged exposure to CO can cause headaches and sustained fatigue. Sometimes, cooking activities can also produce nitrogen dioxide, which is an irritant and can trigger underlying respiratory problems like asthma.

Certain Paints & Varnishes

Giving their home a coat of fresh paint is on the yearly bucket list of most people. However, certain paints can emit volatile organic compounds upon drying, especially enamels. The same is true for varnishes and vinyl coatings found on furniture and wood objects. Exposure to these sometimes triggers headaches and nausea in people.

Adhesives in Furniture and Electronics

Some adhesives make use of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Furniture and electronics using such adhesives may release formaldehyde fumes over time. Generally, the amount of these fumes is too low to be a major health concern for homeowners. But it may be the of cause allergic reactions in people who are working in furniture shops or electronic stores.

Pet Dander & Hair

We love our pets. These little furballs of joy always manage to turn our day around with their antics. But for a healthy home, pet care is very important, something which gets ignored in Indian homes. Pet hair and pet dander float about unnoticed in the ambient air and can often trigger allergic reactions for asthma patients or people with other respiratory syndromes.

Read More: Pet Care Guide for Summers: Get Rid of Pet Hair and Dander

Dusting & Housekeeping Activities

Believe it or not, the way we clean our homes also matters. Using brooms generally unsettles the micro dust particles and throws them up in the ambient air. In time, these suspended particles either settle down or gets inhaled by unsuspecting members of the household.

Smoke from Incense Sticks

Yes, even that. Light up an incense stick and hold it below a piece of paper. After some time, the smoke from the incense stick will start discolouring the paper. The carbon and chemicals present in the smoke cause this discolouration.

Broken CFLs & Tube Lights

Compact fluorescent lights are present in almost all homes and offices. While these lights are a viable alternative for bulbs to save energy, accidentally broken CFLs can emit mercury. Mercury is a neurotoxin – albeit in tiny amounts.

Pesticides, Disinfectants & Cleaning Agents

The chemicals we use to kill household insects and fungal growth also cause air pollution. If your home does not have proper ventilation, the chemical fumes can remain indoors for quite a while. Prolonged exposure to these elements can irritate eyes, nose and throat. In severe cases, you may need to see a doctor as well.

Tobacco Smoke

Chemicals and smoke particles released in the air by smoking cigars and cigarettes remain in the air for a long time. If you smoke or there is a family member who does, it can cause passive smoking among others in the house.

Remedies for Indoor Air Pollution

Here are some simple life hacks that can help you get rid of indoor air pollution.

  • Vacuum your carpets and upholstery regularly instead of leaving them for seasonal cleaning sprees.
  • Do not place electronics in small enclosures, which may cause them to heat up and release more of the harmful plastic emissions.
  • Use a chimney or exhaust fan for the kitchen to remove carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide from accumulating in the ambient air.
  • Allow paints and varnishes to dry off properly before moving into freshly painted rooms or using refurbished furnishings.
  • Keep your pets groomed and make sure that you are not missing your vet appointments to keep them healthy. It will reduce the amount of hair and dander they shed.
  • Use microfiber cloths and mops for dusting and daily housekeeping. These materials absorb the finest dust particles instead of releasing them in the air.
  • Clean up broken CFLs and tube lights as quickly as possible and ventilate the area.
  • Avoid smoking indoors for the benefit of yourself and others in the house.
  • Close off the area where you are planning to use pesticides or insect repellents. Make sure the area is cleaned up and ventilated before allowing kids back in.

Buy Air Purifiers for Home & Office

While the steps mentioned above will help you clean up the indoor air to a certain extent, they are no longer enough for excessively polluted urban environments. The rise in environmental air pollution in metro cities like Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai has made it difficult for homeowners to keep their indoor air clean. To do that, you need special care and products like indoor air purifiers.

High-quality home air purifiers make use of HEPA filters which can remove particles 2.5 times smaller than the width of a human hair. International brands like Honeywell now offer air purifiers with 3-stage filtration, which includes HEPA and activated carbon filters, to remove over 99 per cent of indoor air pollution.

We hope this blog helped you in better understanding indoor air pollution and will help you in taking care of your health and wellness.

Honeywell is a Fortune 100 brand, renowned internationally for its R&D of new, innovative technologies. The company is involved in fields as diverse as aerospace, infrastructure development, industrial innovations, safety & security, productivity solutions, oil & gas, manufacturing and development of performance materials. In India, the company sells fully automatic air coolers, air purifiers, electrical switches and sockets, electrical safety products and home and office security solutions.

Continue reading here: What is an Evaporative Air Cooler and How does It different from an Air Conditioner?

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Readers' Questions

  • sergio
    Which item is a common source of indoor air pollution?
    2 months ago
  • Cigarette smoke is a common source of indoor air pollution.
    • TERRI
      Which items are not a source of indoor air pollution?
      7 months ago
    • Items that are generally not a source of indoor air pollution include:
      1. Fresh fruits and vegetables
      2. Books and magazines
      3. Furniture made from natural, untreated materials such as wood or bamboo
      4. Ceramic or glass cookware
      5. Non-toxic cleaning products
      6. Natural fiber rugs and carpets
      7. Non-smoking electronic devices like laptops or smartphones
      8. Natural fiber clothing
      9. Fresh flowers and plants
      10. It is important to note that while these items may not directly contribute to indoor air pollution, they may still harbor allergens or pollutants if not properly cleaned or maintained.
      • Sebhat
        How to remove nitrogen dioxide from indoor air?
        8 months ago
      • There are several methods you can use to remove nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from indoor air:
        1. Ventilation: Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate and dilute the levels of NO2 in the indoor air. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to further enhance air circulation.
        2. Air purifiers: Invest in an air purifier with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter or activated carbon filter. These filters can help remove NO2 particles from the air.
        3. Activated carbon filters: Consider using activated carbon filters in your HVAC system or air purifier. Activated carbon is effective at capturing and removing NO2 molecules from the air.
        4. Houseplants: Certain indoor plants, such as spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants, are known to effectively remove pollutants from the air, including NOPlace these plants strategically around your home to help purify the air.
        5. Avoidance: Decrease the use of sources that emit nitrogen dioxide, such as gas stoves, fireplaces, and tobacco smoke. Ensure proper ventilation when using these sources to minimize NO2 exposure.
        6. Regular cleaning: Dust and vacuum regularly to remove particles that may carry nitrogen dioxide. Additionally, clean or replace air filters in your HVAC system to prevent a buildup of pollutants.
        7. Control humidity: Maintain optimal indoor humidity levels (around 30-50%) to discourage the formation of NOKeep moisture levels in check to prevent the conversion of nitrogen dioxide into nitric acid, which can damage indoor surfaces and worsen air quality.
        8. Remember, addressing the source of NO2 emissions is crucial for long-term air quality improvement. It is advisable to contact a professional for assistance or advice, particularly if you suspect high levels of NO2 in your indoor environment.
        • hagos
          Which substance is an indoor air pollutant?
          8 months ago
        • There are several substances that can be present as indoor air pollutants, including:
          1. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): These are chemicals emitted as gases from various products, such as paints, solvents, cleaning agents, and building materials. Examples of VOCs include formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylene.
          2. Tobacco smoke: Smoking indoors can release over 7,000 chemicals into the air, including nicotine, formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide.
          3. Carbon monoxide (CO): This is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels, such as gas, oil, coal, and wood. It can be emitted by faulty gas appliances or heaters.
          4. Radon: A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer.
          5. Asbestos: A mineral fiber that was commonly used in insulation, ceiling tiles, and other building materials until the 1970s. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
          6. Particulate matter: Fine particles suspended in the air, such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander, can be indoor air pollutants, particularly for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions.
          7. These are just a few examples of indoor air pollutants, and their presence can vary depending on factors such as the building materials, cleaning products, and activities conducted within a specific indoor environment.
          • ARABELLA
            What is the most common form of indoor air pollution?
            9 months ago
          • The most common form of indoor air pollution is the presence of particulate matter, such as dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. Other sources of indoor air pollution include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products, furniture, and building materials, as well as gases like carbon monoxide from faulty heating systems or appliances. Tobacco smoke is another significant contributor to indoor air pollution.
            • mike baer
              Which is a natural indoor air pollutant?
              10 months ago
            • Formaldehyde is a common indoor air pollutant found in many manufactured items. It can be released from carpets, furniture, and other products made from pressed wood. It is also used in personal care products, paints, and varnishes. Inhaling formaldehyde can cause symptoms including burning eyes, a sore throat, and coughing. Long-term exposure to high levels of formaldehyde can cause cancer.
              • JUHA
                Which material is a common indoor air pollutant?
                10 months ago
              • The most common indoor air pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), formaldehyde (HCHO), and cigarette smoke.
                • jodi
                  What are the 4 major indoor air pollutants?
                  11 months ago
                  1. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
                  2. Particulate Matter (PM)
                  3. Carbon Monoxide (CO)
                  4. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
                  • Alisha
                    What is the main source of the indoor air pollutant radon?
                    12 months ago
                  • Radon is a naturally occurring gas that enters buildings through cracks in the foundation or other openings. It is produced by the breakdown of uranium in rocks and soil.
                    • Yemane
                      Which of the following causes air pollution inside the house?
                      12 months ago
                      1. Smoking indoors
                      2. Burning candles, incense, or firewood
                      3. Painting or refinishing furniture
                      4. Using aerosol sprays
                      5. Using air fresheners or scented candles
                      6. Using cleaning chemicals and solvents
                      7. Having an improperly ventilated kitchen
                      8. Having an improperly vented clothes dryer
                      • Bertha
                        What are the main sources of indoor air pollution?
                        1 year ago
                        1. Combustion sources: Sources of indoor air pollution such as stoves, gas ranges, gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas clothes dryers, fireplaces and woodstoves, and kerosene space heaters all release particles and gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter.
                        2. Building materials and furnishings: Carpeting, upholstery, draperies, and particle board furniture can all contain volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, and other synthetic materials that can outgas into the indoor air.
                        3. Household cleaning and maintenance products: Products such as paints, varnishes, and waxes; aerosol sprays; and cleaning products can contain volatile organic compounds and other chemicals that may emit particles and gases.
                        4. Tobacco smoke: Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 different chemical compounds, including many known to cause cancer.
                        5. Microbes: Dust mites, mold, and mildew can all release particles and gases into the air.
                        6. Radon: Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that can seep into a home from the soil through basement floors, concrete block foundation walls, or cracks in the foundation. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
                        • lea
                          Which is not an indoor source of pollution?
                          1 year ago
                        • Outdoor pollution.