Pollution is synonymous with the discharge of pollutants in factories or auto gases, but there are new forms of pollution. However, you will be amazed by the degree of pollution indoors, particularly in your home and office. Indoor air contaminants, on average, pose a greater hazard to your health than outdoor air.

Most people fail to realize the kind of pollutants that are found within indoor environments until people develop health complications. That’s where Indoor air testing is necessary.

Air quality testing is therefore required to precisely detect the existence of these contaminants, determine their quantities, and put into action efficient solutions to enhance indoor air quality.

So, if you’re looking for a reputable air quality testing company, lakeshore air testing is your way to go. Their proficiency in indoor air quality testing guarantees precise pollution identification. But before hiring understand the major signs of air pollutants.

In this blog, we will let you know some major indoor air pollutants that may be present in your home or your workplace, and walk you through some preventive measures to tackle them. 

10 Major Indoor Air Pollutants and How to Reduce Them

Indoor air quality is a fundamental principle of good living since many of us are unaware of the pollutants that exist indoors. Studies on indoor air quality show a variety of pollutants that infiltrate most of our living spaces and have an impact on our well-being. Here’s this view on primary indoor air pollutants and ways to mitigate them.

1. Particulate Matter (PM)

Emissions and pollutant particles include small particles that may be in the form of dust soot or smoke, which can fly in the air and enter your lungs.

Health Effects:

The effects of exposure are respiratory disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and worsening of asthma.

How to Reduce It:

• It is recommended to purchase air purifiers that incorporate HEPA filters to improve the quality of the air within homes. 
• Mop and sweep the area daily, or weekly with the vacuum cleaner using a HEPA filtration method. 
• Best not to employ any application of lighted candles or indoor fire places. 

2. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

 VOCs are those chemical compounds that may be produced or emitted in home products like paints, detergents, and air fresheners due to evaporation.

Health Effects:

VOCs cause conditions like headache, dizziness, and inflammation of the respiratory system while the cumulative effects involve damage to the kidney or liver.

How to Reduce It:

• Select low emission or no emission of volatile organic compounds.
• Maintain proper ventilation when using products with VOCs to minimize the affecting impact.
• Chemicals should never be maintained in loose or permeable containers. Instead, they should always be kept contained and as far away from living spaces as feasible. 

3. Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas and it is colorless which is formed as a result of the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. It is quite common in homes that have cooking areas; and living areas with gas equipment including stoves, hot water systems as well and heating.

Health Effects:

CO can lead to headaches, dizziness, and tiredness, but it is lethal in high quantities.

How to Reduce It:

• Carbon monoxide alarms should be placed on each level of the house. 
• Ensure that proper efficiency fuel burning appliances and equipment and adequately maintained and vented. 
• Any products that generate gas such as the gas generator, even heaters should not be used in the house. 

4. Mold and Mildew

This is a fungi that grow in areas that are damped and emits spores in the air that are dangerous to humans.

Health Effects:

It can lead to respiratory illness, getting an allergy, and even worsen the situation for an asthmatic person.

How to Reduce It:

• Another parameter that requires control and stabilization is the level of indoor humidity with the help of devices such as dehumidifiers.
• It is also necessary to fix any points of water penetration and to provide air circulation in areas where there can be damage from water.
• To effectively clean areas affected by mold and mildew, it is necessary to scrub them, wash them with mold-killing solutions, and if required, replace materials to prevent mold growth.

5. Tobacco Smoke

Tobacco smoke is rich in chemical compounds like nicotine, tar, and others which tend to stick on the interior building surfaces.

Health Effects:

Second-hand smoke is dangerous as it can lead to respiratory problems, heart ailments, and even cancer in children and non-smokers.

How to Reduce It:

• Educate your family to avoid smoking inside the house through the adoption of a non-smoking policy.
• Install air cleaner machines equipped to capture and trap smoky particles.
• It is also essential that there be adequate ventilation if smoking occurs.

6. Pet Dander

Pet dander is comprised of skin cells that pets shed in addition to their saliva and urine which can become suspended in the air.

Health Effects:

Pet dander causes allergies and asthma, and the symptoms would include sneezing, itchy eyes, and affected respiratory systems.

How to Reduce It:

• Bathing and grooming your pets often will help reduce dander as much as possible.
• Employ air cleaners using HEPA filters for collecting the suspended dander.
• Vacuum all the floors and furniture often to minimize the accumulation of pet hair and skin cells.

7. Radon

It is a colorless tasteless and smell-less gas found in the earth and it permeates floors and walls of houses.

Health Effects:

It has been identified that individuals who are exposed to high radon for a long time may be at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.

How to Reduce It:

• The radon testing kit should be used to safely determine the presence of radon in the residents’ homes. 
• The other action which you must undertake is to fill all the cracks and crevices which you will find around the perimeter of your house.
•  In case the concentrations are high, it would be convenient to seek the services of a professional since they will install a radon mitigation system.

8. Asbestos

Asbestos is a fiber-like mineral that was widely used in construction materials for insulation purposes and to give resistance to fire.

Health Effects:

Asbestos fibers cause lung diseases which include asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer when inhaled.

How to Reduce It:

• If your home was built before the 1980s then it is best to have it tested for the dangerous substance known as asbestos.
• Do not consume products that may be affected by the substance so as to avoid the risk of breathing it in.
• Get professional help to remove or seal off the asbestos in order not to lead to health issues and further implications.

9. Pesticides

Several pesticides that are applied in the management of pests are capable of leading to IAP by causing residues in the air and on various surfaces.

Health Effects:

Inhalation of the substance causes nausea, respiratory diseases, and skin irritation, and with long exposure, it leads to more serious health issues.

How to Reduce It:

• Do not use any chemical-based methods to control pests and only use products that tend to repel pests.
• Pesticides should be used in the manner prescribed on the labels and while applying the solution, the rooms must be allowed some ventilation after some time.
• When using pesticides it is good to store them in closed and labeled containers, especially in areas that do not contain living beings.

10. Lead Particles

The lead particles may be detected in houses that were built before the 1970s since lead was extensively used in paint and plumbing.

Health Effects:

Lead is toxic to humans, especially to children and pregnant women, and it may lead to developmental delays and kidney diseases.

How to Reduce It:

• You should get your home checked for lead-based paint and other possible lead sources.
• Consult a professional and get a certified contractor to successfully remove or encapsulate lead paint.
• To minimize the accumulation of lead dust, clean the surfaces of the house often; do not undertake any do-it-yourself projects that will further dislodge the lead-based paints and materials

The Bottom Line

Although indoor air pollutants are mostly invisible pollutants, they impact human health so much. So, we have listed some common pollutants & measures to control them to enhance the indoor air quality using an air purifier or modifying the HVAC system. However, for better accuracy, it is recommended to contact an expert air quality testing company to help enhance the quality of life of your family members.

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