Things That Degrade Indoor Air Quality

Did you know indoor air quality can be 90% more polluted than outdoor air? In the past few years, there has been a growing body of scientific evidence that indoor air circulating within homes, buildings, offices, and closed properties can be more seriously polluted than outdoor. This is especially true for urban areas and industrialised cities. Here is a list of things that degrades the indoor air quality and what you can do to keep their effects minimal.

Improper Ventilation

Proper ventilation in your property is crucial to exchange indoor and outdoor air. When this is not met, the polluted air inside keeps circulating and will have no means to bring in sufficient fresh air, thereby degrading the indoor air quality. This is why paying attention to ventilation facilities when buying or renting a house is important.

Dust

As you might have already guessed, dust is one of the top things that degrade indoor air quality. Dust usually includes elements like pollen and particulate matter like RSP, PM 10 and PM 2.5, which easily trigger allergies in sensitive people. Getting regular home sanitization services can help you get rid of this problem.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

These are components released by paints, wood preservatives, carpet dyes and fibres, cleaners and disinfectants. They are one of the significant contributors to degrading indoor air quality. VOCs are toxic gases which can cause cancer, damage the central nervous system, irritability of the eye, etc. Vacuuming and upholstery cleaning can help you eliminate these components from your indoors to a great extent.

Second-hand Tobacco Smoke

It’s not a surprise that second-hand smoke has adverse effects on health, and it’s no different for polluting indoor air quality. Smoking indoors, especially with poor ventilation, can trap harmful chemicals for longer, lowering indoor air quality and having health effects on the other people living inside.

Combustion Pollutants

These are gases and particles emitted by fuel-burning appliances like a fireplace, heaters, wood or gas stove, water heater and dryer. Unvented or poorly vented properties are one of the main reasons for this occurrence. Some of the hazardous gases produced through these sources include nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide.

Fumes From Paraffin Wax Candles

Paraffin wax releases chemicals like toluene and benzene that can quickly build up to an unhealthy level in enclosed areas. They are also seen to emit more soot and combustion products when compared to candles made of stearin. Opening windows or other ventilation for these fumes to escape can help with this issue.

Mould

Mould is another indoor air pollutant that can degrade the quality of the indoor air you breathe and even cause myriad health problems, especially respiratory infections, asthma, and allergies. Although you may notice mould growth only on walls, floors, ceilings, and basements, it can also be found on air ducts. Moisture and temperature are two key components that encourage mould growth. Therefore, occasional mould sanitization and air duct cleaning are two effective options to keep your house and enclosed properties free from mould growth.