Damage of air pollution to human body and health



If you are looking to reduce the concentration of indoor air pollutants within your home, you have very good reason for doing so: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that there can be two to five times more pollutants within indoor air than outdoor air. The fact that we spend 90% of our time indoors simply makes the matter worse, especially if you or a family member suffers from an allergic respiratory disease.

Primary Causes of Indoor Air Pollutions

Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out of the area. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants.

Common pollutants and allergens in a home

There are many allergens and contaminants hidden in the air that can cause allergies and other respiratory problems, either after being carried inside or after being released from indoor sources. According to the EPA, indoor air pollutants are classified into two categories: particulate matter and gaseous pollutants.

Particulate matter can include:

  • Common allergens like pet dander, pollen, and dust
  • Particles connected with small organisms like mold, viruses, bacteria, and dust mites

Particulate matter like pet dander is sticky and light and can accumulate in carpets, furniture, and bedding, or throughout whichever spaces your pet occupies. Other particulate matter like mold grows in bathrooms or any other humid or wet area and are spread throughout the air via tiny invisible spores. Dust mites can be found in upholstered furniture, carpet, curtains, and bedding, and are a common trigger for allergy or asthma symptoms.

Gaseous pollutants can include:

  • Airborne gases (volatile organic compounds, or VOCs) from household products like adhesives, paints, or cleaning products; sources also include building materials and furnishings
  • Combustion byproducts from tobacco smoke or gas cooking stoves

Formaldehyde, classified as a likely carcinogen by the EPA, is a well-known VOC that is found throughout building materials like plywood and paneling, as well as furnishings and cabinets. There is a wide variety of other VOCs that are emitted from household cleaners and materials, and it has been found that the concentration of VOCs is much higher inside than outside.

Impact on health

Small particulate matter and other pollutants in indoor smoke inflame the airways and lungs, impairing immune response and reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

There is evidence of links between household air pollution and low birth weight, tuberculosis, cataract, nasopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers.

Mortality from ischaemic heart disease and stroke are also affected by risk factors such as high blood pressure, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and smoking. Some other risks for childhood pneumonia include suboptimal breastfeeding, underweight and second-hand smoke. For lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, active smoking and second-hand tobacco smoke are also main risk factors.

Low-cost steps for healthy air in a home

Now that you’re aware of some of the commons allergens and irritants that may be affecting your home environment, here are some ways to improve the air quality of your home without spending a lot of money.

1. Increase ventilation

One of the easiest ways to improve indoor air quality is to increase ventilation, provided the weather permits it and outdoor pollution levels are not high in your area. Cycling the air within the home, by opening windows or doors, using window or attic fans, or using a window air conditioner with an open vent control can increase the levels of outdoor air in the home, thereby reducing the concentration of indoor pollutants. It’s especially important to increase ventilation while engaging in activities that can produce a higher level of contaminants, such as painting, cooking, or cleaning.

2. Clean regularly

Especially for biological pollutants like animal dander, dust mites, and mold, it’s important to clean regularly. Vacuuming carpet and upholstery, washing bedding and soft toys in hot water, and repairing leaks or water-damaged areas are essential to prevent contaminant build-up.

3. Change your HVAC filters regularly

Many homes have a combined heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning or HVAC system, and it is important to change the furnace or screen filter regularly. If the HVAC filter is exposed to condensation, then mold growth is likely to develop and the HVAC system may then blow mold spores into the home, which is a significant health risk. The same is true of bacteria, which can spread throughout the air if conditions allow for microbial growth on the filter. Additionally, if you have pets in the home, it’s important to change the HVAC filters regularly so as to prevent the spread of the pet dander within the HVAC system’s ductwork. Another consideration is that a clogged and dirty filter will make the entire system much less efficient and waste energy.

4. Consider dust-mite proof covers

Dust mites are a common allergy trigger and thrive in warm and humid environments. Because a lot of time is spent sleeping, it’s important to prevent dust mites from accumulating within bedding. A New England Journal of Medicine study found that using special dust-mite covers on children’s mattresses and pillows helped to reduce their asthma symptoms.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) recommends encasing mattresses, box springs, and pillows with allergen-proof fabric covers or airtight, zippered plastic covers. Additionally, bedding should be washed weekly in hot water and humidity levels kept low to reduce dust mite levels.

5. Check for radon with affordable test kits

Radon is a naturally occurring colorless, odorless gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer, and the EPA estimates that up to six million homes in the U.S. have elevated levels of radon. Beginning from 1988, the EPA and the Office of the Surgeon General have recommended testing for radon. The fastest way to test for radon is through short-term testing, which takes from two to 90 days to finish. Inexpensive radon test kits can be bought online or through other retail outlets.

6. Set the following plants to clean air indoor

According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, which was designed to find ways to clean the air in sealed space stations, plants can be effective to absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen into the air, and remove pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. These chemicals can cause irritation to the skin, ears, eyes, nose, and throat, as well as some cancers, according to the EPA.

The study suggests that at least one plant per 100 square feet can effectively clean the air, so fill your space with these eight detoxifying plants, handpicked by NASA, to purify the air in your home.

Or make all the benefits of using on of our AIR PURIFIERS

  1. Cold Catalyst Filter: catalyzes of formaldehyde, benzene, TVOC
  2. Honeycomb activated carbon filter: Rapid absorption of odor and smoke, decomposition of formaldehyde, benzene and ammonia.
  3. Antibacterial filter: Eliminating floating dust particulates, acarid and microorganism.
  4. High efficiency HEPA filter: Eliminates mold, dust, allergens and bacterial.
  5. Ultraviolet sterilize light: Rapidly kills viruses and bacterial.
  6. Anion purification: Anion generated in the space improves air quality and environment
  7. Humidifier: 40-60% moisture for healthier environment for humans and harder for viruses and bacterias
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