What is indoor air pollution and how do we keep it in check?
Over four months since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as a pandemic, the Philippines practically remain in lockdown.
Different degrees of community quarantine are still in effect in different parts of the country. And, needless to say, if we don't have anything necessary and urgent to do outside, the advice is to remain inside the safety of our home.
Now that we are spending more time staying inside, it's just as important to pay attention to the air quality indoors.
Indoor air pollution has been a serious threat to human health even before people began sheltering at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to WHO and studies published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), indoor air pollution builds up mostly due to inefficient domestic activities like cooking and heating, use of electronic machines and other consumer products. The study further illustrated indoor air pollution as “the existence of pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), inorganic compounds, physical chemicals, and biological factors, all of which are at high concentrations in the indoor air of non-industrial buildings, and all of which can have negative impacts on the human body.”
Exposure to this leads to illnesses like pneumonia, stroke, ischaemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, other respiratory infections and health complications. And we just couldn't afford to compromise our health during a pandemic.
To improve air quality, we have listed a few tips and tricks you can apply while you quarantine at home.
1. Reduce any burning or use of open fires inside the house or closed spaces.
Grilling fish by pexels.com
Avoid using kerosene, wood and charcoal when cooking, heating, and lighting. The burning of these solid fuels contributes to air pollution.
Quit smoking especially indoors, and that includes the use of e-cigarettes. The vapors contain VOCs and other chemicals that also contribute to poor air quality.
2. Facilitate good ventilation with the use of exhaust fans and opening windows and/or doors.
Exhaust fan by pexels.com
Send the fumes and smoke outside your house and let the fresh air in.
Install exhaust fans that help take air contaminants and fumes out of your indoor space. In the absence of such, you can open your windows and/or doors from time to time.
3. Minimize the use of products that add to air pollution.
Spray by pexels.com
The network of the world's megacities via its site C40.org suggests to do away with the use of "artificial air fresheners, pesticides, aerosol sprays, adhesives, and harsh cleaning products. These products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.”
4. Grow and cultivate the right indoor plants.
Indoor plants by pexels.com
Another simple way to improve air quality at home is with the aid of house plants.
One of the studies published by NCBI explains the function of indoor plants in air filtration, saying, “in addition to basic photosynthesis that removes carbon dioxide and returns oxygen to the air, plants can remove toxicants from air, soil, and water in at least two ways. First, they can metabolize some toxic chemicals, releasing harmless by-products, and second, they can incorporate toxicants such as heavy metals into plant tissues, thus sequestering them.”
5. Keep your place clean and organized.
Clean house by pexels.com
Minimize air pollution by keeping a tidy place.
Regularly clean your home to prevent the growth and increase of allergens like mold and dust mites. Wipe surfaces, sweep the floor, and vacuum frequently. Cover your trash bins, and store craft and office supplies like paint, glues and ink in well-ventilated areas.
6. Invest in air filters, humidifiers, and good HVAC systems.
Air-conditioning system by pexels.com
Consider using high-efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) air filters, humidifiers, and installing efficient heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Just be sure to get the right kind and have them checked regularly.
Scientists from the University of California did a research on the SARS-virus and concluded that an optimally humidified air may help reduce exposure to viruses. Moreso, according to their study, our immune system works best in this condition.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, more information are yet to be discovered and studied about the new coronavirus.
Take extra precaution and know that managing a good indoor air quality is just as important as sanitation.