Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is the quality of air in and around

buildings/structures particularly those that relate to the health and well-being of the
building occupants. This includes the quality of air in the building as well as the
gaseous composition, temperature, humidity and the available air contaminants. As
widely known indoor air is one of the predominant and essential component of life
existence. Recently, a major threat, of indoor air pollution has urged public concern
as research shows that the pollutant levels in indoor air are higher than that of
outdoor air. Studies show that nearly 90% of time are spent indoors by most people
and 10% outdoors. Further, elders, children, infants almost spend their entire time
indoors. Thus, the good quality of indoor air is vital.
Why is everyone talking about Indoor air pollution?
On an average, human’s intake nearly 3000 gallons of air per day. Considering
the pollution outbreak, indoor is more polluted (app. 2x – 5x) than outdoor air. Thus,
nine out of ten people breathe polluted air which causes several health issues. For
instance, nearly 7 million premature deaths worldwide each year are due to the intake
of polluted air which surprisingly, is higher than the total number of population death
affected by HIV/AIDS, road accidents and even tuberculosis combined.
 In India, nearly 1.4 billion people which is around 77% inhale air which is
polluted far higher than the recommended limit.
 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) constantly ranks Indoor air pollution
among the top five environmental risks to public health.
 The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) has listed air pollution as the fourth
largest killer in India after blood pressure, tobacco smoking and malnutrition
 Nearly 50% of illness are aggravated/caused by indoor air pollution
 90% of cold and flues are caused by indoor air pollutants with the remaining
10% by outdoor pollutants.
Health effects:
Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure
or possibly, years later.

Immediate Effects
Health effects due to a pollutant vary, with occurrence of an ill effect
shortly after a single exposure or repeated exposures. Common effects include
irritation in eyes, throat and nose, fatigue, head ache and dizziness. However, these
effects are commonly short-termed which are treatable. The simplest treatment
involves the identification and avoidance of the particular exposure to the pollution
source. Upon exposure to indoor air pollutants, symptoms of asthma are common
which may be aggravated or worsened. The occurrence of these health effects upon
exposure vary depending upon age, type of pollutant and previous medical records.
The particulate exposure also varies tremendously between individuals with
immediate response to some and sensitivity upon repeated high-level exposure of
biological/chemical pollutants.
 The first symptom commonly observed are highly similar to that of cold
or viral diseases which makes its rather difficult to identify whether the symptoms
are due to indoor air pollution. Thus, it is vital to pay attention to the patient’s
location and time of exposure. For instance, if the symptoms reduce gradually once
the person shifts from the particular region, the identification of the indoor air
sources must be considered. Certain effects may even worsen by inadequate supply
of outdoor air entering indoors or due to heating, cooling, humidity conditions
prevalent indoors.

Long-Term Effects
Observing health effects after years of exposure can also be possible
response of indoor air pollution. These effects are observed upon long duration and
repeated exposure. Commonly observed effects include respiratory illness, heart and
lung diseases, cancer, certain types being debilitating or fatal. Thus, it is vital to try
to improve the indoor air quality at our residence even if symptoms are not
noticeable. Due to the variation of reactions upon every individual, it is rather
difficult to quantify the effect. While these indoor pollutants cause harmful effects,
there exists an uncertainty regarding concentration and period of exposure to specific
health issues.

Pollutant Sources
There are many sources of indoor air pollution. These can include:
 Fuel-burning combustion appliances
 Tobacco products
 Building materials and furnishings as diverse as:
1. Deteriorated asbestos-containing insulation
2. Newly installed flooring, upholstery or carpet
3. Cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products
 Products for household cleaning, maintenance and personal care products.
 Central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices
 Excess moisture
  Outdoor sources such as:
a) Radon
b) Pesticides
c) Outdoor air pollution.
The importance of any single source depends on the pollutant emission and
the hazardous nature. Factors such as how old the source is and the maintenance are
significant. An improperly adjusted stove can suggestively emit more carbon
monoxide than a properly adjusted gas stove.
Certain sources such as furnishings, building materials and products such as
air fresheners can emit pollutants continuously. Other smoking, cleaning and
redecorating release pollutants intermittently. Malfunctioned/unvented appliances or
products can liberate dangerous level of pollutants indoors.

How can indoor pollution be controlled?

1. Open Windows
Ventilation is the key to promote healthy indoor air and opening
windows is an easy way to boost the quality of indoor and outdoor air.
2. Ban Smoking
“Absolutely no cigarette smoke,” Secondhand smokers impairs
respiratory health and causes 3,000 lung cancer death per year according to the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
3. Pets Bath
Pet beds and pets should be washed regularly. This is rather important
as this reduces the rate of allergens transfer. Further, it’s better to avoid pets in
bedrooms.
4. Usage of Exhaust Fans
Run fans in the kitchen to remove cooking fumes and in bathrooms to
remove steam. Also be sure that your dryer vents to the outside to minimize lint. To
reduce the level of pollen in the air on days it’s not possible to open the windows,
run your window air conditioner on the fan setting with a clean filter.
 5. Put down a Doormat
Wiping shoes can lessen pollutants carried into the house.
6. Change Filters
The often change of air filters enables better and clean air in vacuum
cleaners and air purifiers.
7. Skip Fires
Reduce the usage of fire as it spreads soot and smoke
8. Don’t Cover Up Odors
Avoid air fresheners, scented candles, incense, and other odor-masking
fragrances, which can trigger asthma.
9. Vacuum Often
Do this especially if you have a pet. Brooms can just stir up more
dust.
10. Use a Microfiber Dusting Cloth
It will capture more dust than a cotton rag.
11. Minimize Carpeting
It can trap pollutants such as dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and
other dirt and dust. Choose hard-surface flooring instead.
12. Try to Stay Dry
To reduce mold, keep moisture down by using a dehumidifier and
cleaning the filter regularly.
13. Store Chemicals Safely
Store solvents, glues, and pesticides away from living areas. And when
possible, use homemade cleaning products, such as a mixture of white vinegar and
water.
14. Try an Air Purifier
An air purifier is a very efficient way to reduce the impurities in your
indoor air. Using Air purifier with an HEPA filter is very much efficient than using
an ionizer or electrostatic precipitator where these products can produce harmful by-
products such as ozone.