Indoor environments are where human beings spend most of their time up to 90%. Pollutants levels inside can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors and occasionally more than 100 times. 

Indoor air pollution is often more harmful than outdoor air pollution, especially because we spend the largest portion of the day indoor, inside our home or office, especially in this part of the world where it is extremely hot outdoor. The air inside our homes and offices can sometimes be much more polluted compared to outdoor air, and thus present a major health threat.

The reason is partly because numerous chemicals, like cleaning supplies, hair sprays and perfumes, are used inside the home. Another part of the problem is that many items inside our homes and materials used in home construction are notorious for letting off poisonous gasses - for years. Carpets, shower curtains, paints, upholstery, plywood, particle board, cabinets, computers, and synthetic materials all let off poisonous gasses and chemicals. Because most homes are well insulated, it leaves those poisons trapped inside for us to breathe.

In their latest study the scientists were measuring air quality inside and outside three residential buildings with different types of energy use. What they have discovered is that the levels of one of the most common air pollutants nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the kitchen of the city centre apartment with a gas cooker were as much as three times higher than the levels measured outdoors, and well above clean air quality standards.

In order to reduce heating or cooling costs (depending on which region they live) many people try to make their homes and offices more airtight which often leads in inadequate circulation of the air and high levels of indoor air pollution that could have adverse effects on human health. Indoor air pollution is particularly hazardous to elderly people and young children, and can not only lead to respiratory diseases like asthma but also cause heart problems. Indoor air pollution is yet to be widely recognized issue and there has been very little scientific data about emission rates from different appliances we use in our home and offices. There also hasn't been adequate regulation on indoor pollutants that would regulate the acceptable level of indoor air emissions. There needs to be far more research about the indoor air quality because the effects of indoor air pollution on our health mustn't be overlooked.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is one of the top five most urgent environmental risks to public health by EPA. 30% of all buildings impose a serious health hazard due to indoor air pollutions.

The visible red flags that are compromising the household's air quality: the humidifier in the cupboard, a section where the cleaning agents that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are stored, and the cramped kitchen with an exhaust system that barely works.

The red flags

CO2 levels: More than 2,500ppm (parts per million).

(Dubai Municipality standards: 800ppm).

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs released by chemical cleaning agents): 2,084ppm

Average rate: 349ppm.

 

However, there's a solution and as with most problems, the solution comes from nature - and not from a chemical company. NASA studies show that having ample plants indoors can detoxify up to 85 percent of indoor air pollution.

Acting like a filter for the air, some plants mop up formaldehyde. Others remove benzene, carbon monoxide, and trichloroethylene. Unfortunately, all of these chemicals are common in the air of most homes.

 

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Survey, Investigation & Testing : 

Companies like Enviro and Industrial Solutions ME (EIS) by ENVIRO IAQ Monitoring can test the indoor air quality by doing all elaborate tests for 8 hour testing period and can help us identify and resolve our IAQ issues. 

How to keep your indoor air clean

 

1)To make sure fresh air is circulating in your house, set your AC?s air circulation setting to 50 per cent. This way it will take at least 50 per cent of air from outside to flush the room inside.

2) A very easy way to get good indoor air quality is to open your window half an hour in the morning and half an hour in the evening when the weather permits. This will automatically flush the pollutants and bring fresh air inside. It will dilute the concentration of pollutants inside the house.

3) Conduct regular maintenance for your AC. Cleaning the AC ducts will help you breathe in clean air.

4) Put plants inside the house. Plants emit oxygen.

5) Avoid using humidifiers and atomisers. Avoid drying clothes inside the house, especially during winter. Doing so will keep moisture content inside the house high and support mould growth.

6) Make sure your cleaning agents are tightly closed and stored in a room that has proper ventilation.

7) Choose furniture that does not emit formaldehyde or VOCs.

 

 

 

Source: Enviro & Industrial Solutions ME  , Natural news