6 activities that create indoor air pollution

Indoor air pollution is a serious problem which compromises the health of millions of people around the world.

by Envirotech Online

It’s estimated that poor indoor air quality is responsible for some 3.8 million deaths every year. There is a wide variety of different pollutants which affect indoor air quality, some of which are produced from natural sources, some from anthropomorphic activities and some from materials and substances found around the home or workplace.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most common activities which create indoor air pollution – and how to mitigate their harmful impact.

1. Smoking. Tobacco products contain a potent cocktail of chemicals and toxins and their links with cancer and other respiratory ailments are well-documented. It’s unsurprising, then, that smoking indoors contributes deadly pollutants to the environment, especially if it’s an unventilated one.

2. Cooking. When oil, butter or another lubricating substance is heated on a stove or in an oven, it can produce tiny particles of pollution invisible to the naked eye, known as particulate matter (PM). Meanwhile, gas cookers can emit contaminants such as carbon monoxide if their settings are not adjusted adequately.

3. Painting. Home decoration is a popular method of turning a house into a home, but did you know that the paints, varnish and other products you use may have a deleterious effect on the quality of air? Minimize your exposure by choosing water-based products over oil-based ones and ventilating the space well during and after the paint job. The same goes for paint stripping.

4. Cleaning. It’s important to maintain high levels of cleanliness to prevent the spread of bacteria and germs around the home. However, many detergents, disinfectants and other cleaning agents contain a variety of harmful pollutants that are released during use. It’s better to favor organic and natural products over synthetic or chemical ones to limit their effect. Read More  

Source: Envirotech Online