Indoor pollution affects our health. How can you have cleaner air in your home?

We spend about 60–90% of our time indoors (at home, at work, in stores, etc.), so we should pay more attention to the air we breathe every day. Compared to outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution doesn’t get enough attention, yet it has a greater impact on our health than we realize.

Unfortunately, people don't directly associate some of the symptoms they experience daily with the quality of air in their homes.

Indoor pollution and health impacts

Exposure to high levels of indoor pollution is not just a comfort issue, but also increases the risk of developing chronic health problems.

Here are some of the conditions you may experience if you are repeatedly exposed to indoor pollution:

– fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and dizziness;

– restless sleep,

– anxiety, depression, migraines, nervousness;

– allergies, irritated eyes, bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, wheezing;

– itchy skin;

– heart problems and even cancer.

What factors pollute the air in your home?

Indoor pollution comes from various sources, from air fresheners and cleaning products to cigarette smoke and mold. Some of the activities that are part of your routine can affect the air quality in your home without you realizing it. That's why it's important to understand the cause and try to make a beneficial change for your body.

cigarette smoke are among the main factors affecting indoor air quality. And we're not just talking about first-hand smoke, but also second-hand (inhaling others' smoke) and even third-hand smoke. The latter type represents the smell that remains on clothes, hair, and in furniture and fabrics.

Cleaning product chemicals are among the causes of respiratory conditions. What’s more, they can affect the kidneys, liver, and nervous system. All the disinfectants you use to clean your home are closely linked to several health problems. Sprays have been found to be responsible for the development of asthma in 100% of cases, according to onhealth.com, whether it's for cleaning windows, furniture, or eliminating unpleasant odors.

Mold appears in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms and basements, as well as in rooms that are not properly ventilated.

– Air fresheners, incense sticks, and scented candles They can eliminate volatile organic compounds in the air, making it toxic. Commercially available air fresheners are a danger to your health because they contain formaldehyde, phthalates, and other dangerous substances. Phthalates can also be found in nail polishes and perfumes.

Formaldehyde emissions The off-gassing from furniture is dangerous for your health. It can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and breathing problems.

– Heavily scented personal care products contain chemical ingredients that increase the risk of illness, even if they seem harmless.

– Household waste not disposed of in time it affects the air quality in your home not only through unpleasant odors but also by releasing certain toxic substances.

Solutions for cleaner air in the home

We certainly can't influence the outside pollution levels too much, but we can take a series of useful measures to improve the air quality in our homes and even at our workplaces.

- Air out the house at least twice a day for at least 20 minutes;

– decorate your home with air-purifying plants such as: dracaena, ficus, fern, pygmy palm, and snake plant;

invest in a quality air filter;

– use a dehumidifier to prevent mold growth;

- change the air conditioner filter frequently;

– purchase a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter because this product is specially designed for people who suffer from allergies. The model is designed to absorb very small particles of dust and pollen;

- Replace cleaning products with less harmful ones for your health. There are organic options on the market today. In addition, you can always return to old household methods: baking soda and vinegar;

– avoid using air fresheners, incense sticks, and scented candles. You can replace them with natural essential oils;

– Quit the habit of smoking inside the house. You can go out on the balcony and relax while admiring the view around the building.

Given that we spend a lot of time at work, we shouldn't neglect the effects of indoor pollution there. Poor air quality in the office affects creativity and concentration, having an intense impact on daily productivity. 

So, make sure the workspace is well-ventilated, avoid using air fresheners, bring a plant near you, and keep your desk clean. Don't forget to use air conditioning wisely. The difference between the outside temperature and the inside temperature should not be more than 10°. Additionally, ensure the filters are cleaned frequently and try to change your spot in the office if you are sitting close to an air conditioner.

Indoor pollution cannot be completely eliminated, but the small changes you can make in your home and office will make a difference. Always prioritize your health.