It's not just outdoor air pollution that matters, what about indoor air pollution?

 

 

Interestingly, when air pollution is mentioned, people invariably think about outdoor air pollution. And all the usual culprits. Cars, buses, planes, factories and farming. Rarely is indoor air pollution mentioned, even though this is where most people spend the majority of their time, whether at home or at work. And don’t forget the time spent travelling in the car, bus or train which also counts as being “indoors.” 

 

While we haven’t been able to find any figures for the UK, a study in the USA found that people spent around 90% of their time indoors. Of the remaining 10%, the majority was spent travelling between home and work, leaving only about 2% in the open air. Of even more concern are the EPA’s – America’s Environment Protection Agency – figures which estimate that indoor air pollution can be two to five times greater than that outside so adding to the list of public health risks we face every day. 

 

With people now spending the majority of their time indoors, we thought we’d take a closer look at indoor pollution and ask a few simple questions, starting with the obvious one. 

 

 

When you stop to think about it there are only two possible sources. First, from the materials used to construct the building itself and everything in it. And, second, from the products brought into the building and used there. Both are huge topics in their own right. 

 

In the first case, it’s a long time since buildings were made of natural materials such as wattle and daub, clay bricks or stone. These days the majority of modern building materials are made up of a cocktail of different chemicals. Matters are made worse by modern buildings being designed to be energy efficient and so more airtight. This reduces ventilation and increases the build up of indoor air pollution. 

 

The second includes a plethora of different products, many of which we don’t ever think about using. At home these would include personal and house cleaning products from deodorants and hair spray to room sprays and cleaners. At work many other things would be added to the list, such as the chemicals used in air conditioning units and photocopiers. 

 

However, in both cases, there’s a quick and easy way to improve indoor air quality. Open the windows, at least for a short time each day, if not on a continuing basis. If you have a newer home – or one with newer windows – that’s what trickle or night vents are for (!). Even if the outside air isn’t pristine, it’s likely to be less polluted than that indoors. And the same applies to opening the windows in your car too. 

 

 

There’s a huge list but here are a few examples: 

 

Moulds, from humid areas within buildings such as bathrooms, kitchens, cellars or basements. 

 

Bio aerosols, otherwise known as air borne bacteria and viruses, from people, pets, ventilation and air conditioning systems. 

Combustion by products, from gas and other heaters, cookers, furnaces, chimneys and car exhausts from integral garages or basements. 

 

Tobacco smoke – and this includes that from vaping too (!). 

 

VOC’s, Volatile Organic Compounds, used in aerosols and many other chemical products such as paints, solvents, disinfectants, air fresheners and preservatives. 

 

Flame retardant chemicals, found in foam cushions, carpets and mattresses. 

 

Asbestos and other building materials, as well as some materials found in older houses such as arsenic in old paints and lead used for water pipes. 

 

And, finally, one naturally occurring pollutant found in homes in certain areas and linked to many health problems. Radon. 

 

 

As already mentioned, the quickest and easiest way to reduce indoor air pollution is to ensure there’s a little fresh air in every room. In other words, have one window in every room open a smidge ALL the time. With many homes now having trickle or night vents it’s simple to do without creating a draught. This includes the bedroom at night, with a little fresh air making a huge difference to both the quality of air overnight and your sleep air quality too. If you’re in any doubt, try it and see. 

 

Air filters – or a bowl of water on a window sill – help clear air borne contaminants / dust, so improving air quality. 

 

House plants are well known for absorbing pollutants through their leaves and roots. Even better, like all plants, they absorb carbon dioxide from the air around them and release oxygen giving us exactly what we need. Put another way, not only do they look good and make us feel good, they improve air quality too. And, if you’re not a natural gardener, many house plants are tough and hard to kill (!) with Ivy, Peace Lilies, Rubber plants and Spider plants being top of the list. 

 

Take off your shoes inside, which helps stop dust and other particles from being brought in – and spread – around the home. 

 

Regularly hoover carpets and mop – or steam clean – hard surfaces. And don’t forget to also regularly check, clean and replace the air filters in your hoover too. 

 

Replace chemical laden personal and cleaning products with more natural ones. And this includes air fresheners and scented candles too. The good news is there are a huge number of options available, starting with all the traditional ones such as soap and water (!), borax and vinegar. If you need an added incentive, a recent study in Norway highlighted the damage everyday cleaning sprays can do to the Lungs, likening their long term effects to smoking 20 cigarettes a day. 

 

If you have any clothes dry cleaned, ensure they are well aired outside before bringing them into the house – or wearing them again. 

Make sure your central heating boiler is regularly serviced and any open fires or wood burners are regularly checked and chimneys swept. 

 

If you live in a radon area, DIY kits are now available to test whether your home is affected. 

 

And, finally, make smoking an “al fresco” activity – and that includes vaping too (!). 

 

Once again, it’s a case of a little common sense and forethought. There are so many simple things you can do to help improve indoor air quality, which will improve your overall health as well. And, at the same time, it’s a very timely reminder of the many benefits of spending more time outside in the open air! 

 

As always, the choice is yours.