HOW TO FIGHT INDOOR POLLUTION?

Indoor pollution is defined as all non-industrial impurities present in a closed environment, including homes, hospitals, communities, administrative premises frequented by the public, etc.

We may not realize it, but the air we breathe can be more polluted inside than outside the home. This situation can affect the most sensitive people, such as those in poor health, children, the elderly and so on. It can also be the source of many respiratory ailments, even for the strongest people.

How to fight indoor pollution?

What are the sources of indoor pollution?

A number of factors can lead to indoor air pollution, including:

• Tobacco smoke: tobacco contains a multitude of components that are harmful to health, affecting both active smokers and those who inhale the smoke that fouls the air around them.
• Carbon monoxide (CO): this invisible, odorless gas can be the cause of many poisonings, and in the most extreme cases, can lead to death. Coal-fired stoves used in kitchens can be a major source of indoor pollution.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOC): these harmful substances are found in cleaning and hygiene products such as perfumes, air fresheners, glue, felt tip pens, paint and hairspray. When their formaldehyde and benzene content is too high, they can be carcinogenic.
• Allergens such as dust mites, animal hairs, pollens, fine particles, etc., are present in the air. These are micro-organisms found in various places, such as carpets, upholstery, rugs, floor coverings and false ceilings…. Exposure to these allergens can lead to numerous respiratory problems, especially for people with allergies.

Good practices to avoid indoor pollution:

Indoor pollution is not a fatality. By following a few good practices, you can make sure you live in a healthy, hygienic environment.

Clean your home regularly and don’t neglect any item.

Many of the objects we use on a daily basis are real nests of microbes and bacteria, yet we neglect their cleanliness. So not only do we need to clean our homes regularly, but we also need to pay special attention to these objects: remote controls, computer keyboards, doorknobs, and so on.

Remember to clean all surfaces with suitable products and to remove dust each time you clean.

Ventilate

To enjoy the benefits of clean air, you need good indoor ventilation. It’s therefore advisable to open all windows for at least an hour a day, so that dust and other unhygienic particles from furniture, cleaning products, cooking fuels, etc. can settle out.

 Don’t overuse home fragrances

Although the scent of scented candles and incense sticks is pleasant, they can release molecules that are harmful to health. High-dose, almost daily inhalation in an enclosed room is highly inadvisable to avoid inhaling these substances.

Better yet, swap them for an essential oil air freshener, which is healthier and leaves a pleasant scent inside the room.

Use a multi-purpose cleaning product

The use of cleaning products is essential for an impec home, but they release volatile compounds that pollute the air. To avoid exposing yourself to too many particles, the solution is to limit their number by using a multi-purpose cleaning product. In this way, you minimize the level of particles released into the air while saving money on household cleaning products.

Also remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and avoid mixing products to avoid breathing harmful gases.

Finally, always air the house after cleaning with a cleaning product.

Fight against smoking

Tobacco contains over 3,000 toxic substances responsible for numerous cardiovascular diseases, cancers, asthma, etc. It is also a source of indoor pollution, which is why it is strictly forbidden to smoke inside the home, even in a well-ventilated room. And don’t forget to make your smokers aware of the dangers of indoor pollution, and the dangers to which they expose their loved ones when they smoke indoors.