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Air Quality and Health – The Reasons That People Should Take Relevant Measures
Indoor air quality is essential for our health and wellbeing. In this article, we’ll dive deep into what indoor air quality is and how it affects our health. We’ll talk about the different factors that influence air quality and the steps you can take to improve air quality at home.
What is Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) are the pollutants and gases present in indoor environments. It is important to note that indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air, as it is contaminated from things such as building materials, cleaning products and toxic gases.
The most common contaminants that impact our health and IAQ include:
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCS): VOCs are emitted from paints, paints, furnishings, carpets and other materials. They can cause a range of adverse health effects, including headaches and allergies.
- Fine Particles:The most serious pollutant inside our homes is caused by high concentration of small, invisible particles known as PM2.5, which originate from sources such as fireplaces and stoves.
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): This is a pollutant primarily produced by gas cookers and stoves, as well as gas and oil boilers.
The Impact of Poor Air Quality on Our Health
Poor air quality is associated with a range of short and long-term health problems. Long-term health effects can include respiratory and cardiovascular disease caused by inhaling polluted air. People who already suffer from an illness or have a weak immune system are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of poor air quality. On the other hand, short-term effects of air pollution include headaches, irritation of the eyes and nose, nausea and coughing.
What Can You Do to Improve Indoor Air Quality?
There are a few steps you can take to reduce indoor air pollution and improve your health.
- Ventilation: Ensure that you have adequate ventilation in your home, by opening windows and using a fan. This will help replace poor air quality with fresh air.
- Cleaning Products:avoid using harsh, toxic chemicals for cleaning, as these can contribute to air pollution. Instead, use natural cleaning supplies such as vinegar or baking soda, or high-efficiency cleaners such as besan.
- Air Filters: Invest in an air filter to reduce pollutants such as smoke and dust particles. Air filters are especially useful if you use a gas stove.
It’s important to recognize that indoor air quality should not be overlooked, as it can have a huge impact on our health and wellbeing. The good news is that there are steps we can take to reduce the cost of poor air quality, such as ventilation and air filtration.
If you’re concerned about your indoor air quality, take the time to assess the situation and take steps to improve it. Doing so will help improve your health and wellbeing in the long run.
