Dangers of air pollution
Life indoors
This article on the dangers of air pollution explain how air in your home could be bad for your health. To start with, how much time per day and night do you spend inside, with the windows and doors shut? If you live in cooler climates, this may be as much as 90% of your time.
You may be spending less than 1 hour per day outside in the fresh air.
Indoor air pollution is a common problem that most of us are not aware of. Please read my air pollution guide on the
sources of pollutants.
How does the air you breathe relate to you and your family’s health? There will always be low levels of air pollutants in your home, some are naturally produced but the majority are produced from materials and products that are man-made. These chemical and synthetic substances become airborne causing a hazard to human health. Your health may not be affected immediately as low exposure over long periods of time can be just as damaging as high exposure over short periods of time – depending on the nature of the pollutant. You may not be aware that you health is being compromised by your surroundings.
Some of you will already be at an increased risk of developing symptoms from poor indoor air quality levels:
* Those already suffering from existing respiratory conditions e.g. asthma
* Women during pregnancy
* Children
* The elderly
Indoor air pollution versus outdoor air pollution
Most modern homes are more or less air tight which means that natural, fresh and constant ventilation is restricted. Without adequate ventilation this allows any airborne substances to become concentrated in the air. Any substance that becomes concentrated may be classed as a pollutant. These higher levels of indoor air pollutants have been recorded as up to five times that of outdoor air pollution. Now bear that in mind when you again consider how much time you spend indoors, breathing the air. It may well be less hazardous to your health to be outside.
Factors that contribute to indoor air pollution
This part of my this dangers of air pollution guide looks at the different factors that can increase the risk of contaminants and airborne toxic substances within your home. You may be able to locate your own sources of indoor air pollution based on the following paragraphs. Forewarned is forearmed!
The time of year and climate
Higher temperatures and humidity levels increase breeding grounds for biological air pollutants. So depending on where you live in the world and the season, you may experience higher concentration levels of air pollutants. The advantage of living in a warmer climate is that natural, fresh and constant ventilation is easier to maintain – although this may be counteracted with humidity levels that encourage biological air pollutants to breed.
The number of occupants per space
Especially applicable to office interiors where multiple people are present in a confined space or open plan layout. The larger the numbers of people in one space, the higher the levels of dust, dirt and uncleanliness are found. All of these factors increase the levels of indoor air pollution.
The function & activities in the building
In your home the most likely areas for poor air quality are in the moist environments; bathroom, kitchen, ensuite etc. If you have a garage that connects internally to your home, be sure to check the ventilation otherwise exhaust emissions may enter your home adding to the air pollutants. Do you smoke in your home? This is a high risk activity that must be avoided. Do you use a photocopier or other office equipment in your interior? Electronics also increase air pollutants.
The design of the building
Look at the volume of space that you live in – are the ceiling heights high or low? If they are low then this reduces the amount of circulating air which increases the risk of high levels of airborne pollutants. Modern buildings with mechanical heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are designed to be air tight – where the windows do not open and all doors are sealed when shut. This does not give the occupant the option of natural ventilation etc. creating a completely artificial environment. Buildings that have these methods are at a much higher risk of indoor air pollutants.
The design of the building services
Mechanical heating, ventilation, plumbing, cooling, humidity regulating systems and artificial lighting are all building services. If any of these services are in disrepair or are not well maintained this causes a threat of increased levels of air pollutants. Any vents and ducting that exit the building may allow outdoor air pollutants such as traffic emissions to enter back into your home.
The upkeep of the building
Cleanliness and hygiene are major factors in the levels of indoor air pollutants. Frequent cleaning to remove dust and dirt is advised. Regular cleaning of any textiles, coverings needs to be considered e.g. window dressings, upholstery etc. The condition of building materials are another major factor in the levels of indoor air pollutants, any damage may allow VOCs such as radon to seep into your home.
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