Indoor Air Pollution – A complete guide to clean indoor air quality

The air we breathe is vital to our well-being, yet many spend most of their days cooped up inside - in offices, factories, and other buildings. In places like Singapore, where the weather can be stifling and humid, we turn to air conditioning and mechanical ventilation to keep us comfortable.

But as we seal ourselves off from the outside world, the potential for indoor air pollution increases. And with the COVID-19 pandemic keeping many of us indoors for extended periods, the importance of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has never been greater.

Indoor air pollution is a growing concern, as it can come from various sources, including mould, dust, carpet and other office furniture, cleaning agents, air fresheners, paints, adhesives, printers, pesticides, and biological contaminants from poor ventilation systems or water-damaged walls.

This article will discuss the causes of indoor air pollution, how it affects our health and surroundings and strategies for improving air quality.

Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

One major cause of indoor air pollution is poor ventilation. When the air inside a building is not adequately circulated, pollutants can build up and become concentrated. This can be caused by a lack of windows or air vents or by sealing a building too tightly to improve energy efficiency. Poor ventilation can lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide, radon, other harmful gases, and mould and dust. In addition, this can cause an increase in the humidity levels of the indoor environment, which can lead to the growth of mould and dust mites.

Certain products, such as cleaning supplies, pesticides, and air fresheners, can also release harmful chemicals into the air. These products can cause health problems for people who are exposed to them. For example, many cleaning supplies contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms. Pesticides can also release harmful chemicals into the air and aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Mould and dust can also contribute to indoor air pollution. Mould can grow in damp or humid environments and cause respiratory problems, allergies, and even structural damage to buildings. Dust can also cause respiratory problems and allergies and aggravate conditions such as asthma. Dust mites and pet dander can also be a source of indoor air pollution, especially for people with allergies or asthma.

Effects of indoor air pollution on Health

Indoor air pollution can have severe effects on our health. It can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis, headaches, fatigue, and other symptoms. It can also aggravate existing conditions, such as allergies and heart disease. Long-term exposure to indoor air pollution can even increase the risk of cancer. Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are more susceptible to the harmful effects of indoor air pollution. It is important to note that symptoms of indoor air pollution may not always be immediately apparent and can take time to develop.

Air pollution in indoor spaces also affects our surroundings. For example, poor indoor air quality can lead to increased absenteeism in the workplace, decreased productivity, and higher healthcare costs. In addition, indoor air pollution can cause damage to buildings and other structures. It can also lead to increased costs for heating and cooling, as well as increased maintenance costs for cleaning and repairs.

Indoor air pollution solutions

A study conducted by Guillaume Sérafin, PhD, ex-La Rochelle Université (LaSIE), found that formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, benzene, PM2.5, and PM10 are common indoor air pollutants in office buildings. This highlights the importance of monitoring indoor air quality in office buildings and taking steps to address any pollutants that are found.

Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and benzene are toxic chemicals that cause health problems, while PM2.5 and PM10 are tiny particles that can cause respiratory issues. These findings emphasise the need to take necessary measures to reduce indoor air pollution in office buildings. 

The first step to solving indoor air pollution is to identify the pollutants’ sources of poor ventilation, the use of certain products, and the presence of mould and dust. Poor ventilation can lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide, radon, and other harm other harmful gases. This can be caused by a lack of windows or air vents or by sealing the building too tightly to improve energy efficiency.

Improving ventilation is one of the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality. This can be done by installing air vents, windows, or mechanical ventilation systems. It is also essential to keep the air ducts clean and well-maintained to ensure they are not spreading pollutants throughout the building.

Another critical step is to reduce the use of products that can release harmful chemicals into the air. This includes using natural cleaning products, avoiding pesticides, and using air purifiers. It is also essential to ensure that any new furniture or building materials are free of harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde.

Regular cleaning and maintenance can also help to improve the air quality indoors. Dust and mould can accumulate over time, so regular cleaning can help control these pollutants. In addition, it is essential to keep the indoor environment dry, as moisture can lead to the growth of mould and dust mites.

Another effective solution is to use air purifiers, which can help to remove pollutants from the air. Air purifiers work by trapping pollutants in filters or absorbing them with chemicals. Different air purifiers, such as HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, and UV-C light filters, are available, each with specific functions and benefits.

Finally, it is essential to be aware of the potential sources of indoor air pollution and to take steps to address them. This may include inspecting your home or office for mould, checking for leaks or other sources of moisture, and ensuring that your furniture and other household items are not releasing harmful chemicals into the air.

In conclusion, indoor air pollution is a severe issue that can significantly impact our health and surroundings. By understanding the causes of indoor air pollution and taking steps to reduce it, we can help to ensure that the air inside our homes and workplaces is safe and healthy.