It's unlikely that the inside of your house or office comes to mind when you think of air pollution. It's important to keep the air in your home, car, and workplace as clean as possible because we spend so much time inside, especially in cold weather.
As a result, we are responsible for a large portion of the pollution that enters our homes.
Nicotine inhalation
cigarette smoke, according to experts, is one of the most common pollutants found in the air of homes.
Dr. Sumita Khatri, a pulmonologist, says that the lingering gas and particles from cigarette smoke are hazardous to one's health, especially in rooms with lots of fabric or carpeting. "Second-hand smoke is well-known; this is referred to as third-hand smoke."
She claims that children, who are more likely to be playing on the ground, and those with chronic heart and pulmonary conditions are more at risk.
E-cigarettes are a similar pollution source, says Dr. Khatri. VOCs, heavy metals, and other chemicals found in e-cigarette vapors have been linked to lung disease in smokers.
In her opinion, the best way to avoid smoking is to go smoke-free, even in your own home.
Cleaners for the home
Another common source of indoor pollution is the use of household cleaning products. The nose, mouth, and lungs, as well as the skin, can be irritated by chemicals that emit fumes.
Symptoms of asthma and chronic sinusitis can worsen in people with sensitive lungs and upper airways, says Dr. Khatri, a pulmonologist.
People with chronic lung conditions may find it more difficult to recover from infections if they are exposed to fumes. Inflammation caused by other factors, such as allergies, can be exacerbated as a result.
As a preventative measure, Dr. Khatri suggests using natural cleaning products and a little elbow grease.
The following are examples of indoor pollutants that aggravate asthma and other chronic lung diseases:
- Incense and candle wax particles.
- Perfumes that irritate me.
- Strong cleaning product odors in the home.
- Paints, glues, and toner ink for crafting and office use.
- Vapors emitted by garments that have been dry cleaned (many solvents used are carcinogenic).
- Mold, pollen, pet dander, and dust mites are just a few examples of allergens.
- The use of a fireplace or a stove that burns wood.
- Homes with insufficient ventilation (can increase levels of radon and carbon monoxide gas).
- Ventilated gas stoves that don't have hoods to the outside (can increase exposure to nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde).
- Asbestos, formaldehyde, and lead were common in older buildings.
Illnesses resulting from exposure to contaminated indoor air
Chronic lung diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare-ups can be made worse by exposure to pollutants in the home (COPD).
Asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions are made worse by indoor air pollution, says Dr. Khatri, who adds that it can also cause irritation of the nose, throat, eyes, and lungs. Long-term effects of exposure, such as the risk of lung cancer from radon exposure and secondhand and thirdhand smoke, are more difficult to quantify.
Ventilation and air filters have an important role to play
Although opening windows helps ventilate your home, car, or office, this is not always possible due to allergies or extreme temperatures. Opening windows.
Regular HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system inspections and the use of air filters are both recommended.
Air purification and aromatherapy can actually worsen air quality if they are not used correctly, according to Dr. Khatri. In order to be effective, these filters must be HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting).
How to reduce your exposure to risk
Dr. Khatri explains that there are ways to reduce air pollution in your home, car, or workplace. Take a look at these steps:
- Smoking indoors is discouraged (but quitting smoking is the best answer for overall health).
- Utilize art supplies in well-ventilated spaces only.
- Gas stoves need adequate ventilation.
- Keep things simple.
- If you can, get rid of the carpeting.
- In order to reduce moisture, use a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
- Avoid attracting pests by keeping trash covered.
- At the door, remove your shoes.
- Regularly have your car's emissions tested.
- Reduce the use of air fresheners.
- Take a radon reading.
- Carbon monoxide detectors should be used.
- Water leaks must be repaired.
- Keep surfaces clean by vacuuming and dusting regularly.
- Hot water should be used every week to clean bedding.
- Ensure that the exhaust fans in your bathrooms and kitchen are working properly.
- Scent-emitting candles should always be covered with a lid.
You can improve your health and the quality of the air in your home by taking a few simple precautions.
