10 Indoor Pollutants You Should Know About and How They Affect Your Health

Introduction

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical aspect of environmental health that significantly impacts individuals' well-being. It's estimated that people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, making the quality of indoor air a crucial determinant of health outcomes. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory conditions, allergies, and even cardiovascular diseases.

In the UK and Ireland, the issue of indoor air quality has been gaining increasing attention due to its potential health impacts. According to a study by the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, around 40,000 deaths are attributable to exposure to outdoor air pollution each year in the UK, with indoor air quality contributing to this figure.

The study further highlights that the health problems resulting from exposure to air pollution have a high cost to people who suffer from illness and premature death to our health services and business. In the UK, these costs add up to more than £20 billion annually.

Indoor air quality is a significant factor in our health and well-being. With most of us spending a significant amount of time indoors, it's crucial to understand the potential pollutants in our indoor environment. Here are the ten worst indoor pollutants you should know about, how they affect your health, and practical tips to reduce exposure.

1. Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10)

Particulate matter refers to tiny particles suspended in the air. These particles can originate from various indoor activities, including smoking, cooking, heating, and even burning incense or candles. High levels of particulate matter can lead to respiratory symptoms, particularly asthma symptoms in children.

Tip: Ensuring proper ventilation and avoiding stoves and other combustion products can help reduce the levels of particulate matter indoors.

2. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

Nitrogen dioxide is a gas that can be produced by unvented gas heaters and cookers and of course traffic pollution. High levels of NO2 can cause respiratory problems.

Tip: Ensuring proper ventilation, especially in kitchens and rooms with gas heaters, can help reduce exposure to this harmful pollutant.

3. Benzene

Benzene is a volatile organic compound (VOC) emitted from smoking, solvent use, renovations, and household products. It's a known human carcinogen that can cause blood disorders and damage to the immune system.

Tip: Reducing exposure to tobacco smoke and using low-VOC products can help minimize benzene levels indoors.

4. Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is another VOC often emitted from new furniture and building materials. It can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation and has been classified as a human carcinogen.

Tip: Opting for furniture and building materials labelled as low-formaldehyde or formaldehyde-free can help reduce exposure.

5. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

PAHs are emitted from burning processes, including tobacco smoke. They are associated with a variety of health effects, including cancer.

Tip: Avoiding tobacco smoke and ensuring proper ventilation when cooking can help reduce PAH levels.

6. Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas produced by gas heaters, stoves, and other combustion appliances. High levels can cause dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness, and even death.

Tip: Installing carbon monoxide detectors and ensuring appliances have adequate ventilation can help prevent CO poisoning.

7. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

Sulfur dioxide is a gas produced by burning sulfur-containing fuels and is associated with traffic pollution. It can cause respiratory problems and worsen existing heart disease.

Tip: Using low-sulfur fuels and ensuring proper ventilation can help reduce SO2 levels.

8. Ozone (O3)

Ozone is a gas that can be produced by specific electronic devices and through reactions between other pollutants. It can cause respiratory problems and other health effects.

Tip: Using air purifiers that do not produce ozone and reducing the use of electronic devices that produce ozone can help lower indoor ozone levels.

9. Nicotine

Nicotine is a specific compound found in tobacco smoke. It is addictive and can cause various health effects, including heart disease.

Tip: Avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke is the best way to reduce nicotine levels indoors.

10. Toluene

Toluene is another type of VOC emitted from smoking, solvent use, renovations, and household products. Toluene can cause nervous system disorders and also impact kidney function.

Tip: Using low-VOC products and reducing exposure to tobacco smoke can help minimise indoor toluene levels.

The above is an overview of the importance of indoor air quality and its impact on health. It emphasises the need for adequate ventilation to maintain good indoor air quality.

Ventilation is crucial in removing pollutants and supplying clean air, reducing the risk of health issues associated with poor air quality.

Maintaining good ventilation is essential in all cases, whether in homes, offices, or public buildings. It helps control humidity levels, reduces the concentration of pollutants, and provides a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.

It highlights the need for regular monitoring and maintenance of ventilation systems to ensure their effectiveness. It underscores the need for awareness and understanding of these sources to manage and improve indoor air quality effectively.

In conclusion, it underscores the importance of indoor air quality in maintaining good health and the crucial role of ventilation in achieving this.

If you want to discuss any of the above or start thinking about improving ventilation and air quality in the buildings you manage, own or occupy, don't hesitate to reach out.

At Air Quality Matters, we help you get better ventilation and air quality outcomes through strategy advice, communication and support.