5 Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

July 13, 2023

Indoor air quality affects your health and well-being. Poor air quality can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and headaches. Here are the main sources of indoor air pollution.

1. Inadequate Ventilation

When insufficient fresh air is exchanged, various pollutants accumulate indoors, leading to discomfort and health issues. Harmful contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, and particulate matter become trapped in your home without proper ventilation.

An insufficient ventilation system fails to remove these contaminants, allowing them to build up over time. For instance, VOCs can be emitted from building materials, furniture, cleaning products, and even personal care items. Without adequate ventilation, these chemicals can linger indoors, causing headaches, eye irritation, and respiratory problems.

Inadequate ventilation also contributes to excess moisture levels. High humidity fosters the growth of mold, mildew, and dust mites, which can trigger allergies and worsen respiratory conditions. Stagnant air also increases the concentration of airborne particles like pollen, pet dander, and dust, exacerbating asthma and other respiratory sensitivities.

2. Carpets

Carpets act as a reservoir for dust, dirt, and other particulate matter that can accumulate over time. These particles can be released into the air when the carpet is disturbed by foot traffic or cleaning activities, leading to increased levels of airborne contaminants.

Carpets are also prone to trapping allergens such as pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. These allergens can become embedded deep within the carpet fibers and are easily stirred up when the carpet is disturbed. This can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues for individuals sensitive to these allergens.

Regular vacuuming, proper cleaning techniques, and the use of low-VOC carpeting materials can help mitigate the negative impact of carpets on indoor air quality.

3. Cleaning Solutions

Cleaning solutions can contribute to poor indoor air quality due to the emission of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds are released into the air as gasses from various cleaning products, such as disinfectants, solvents, and degreasers. Once released, the particles can linger in enclosed spaces, leading to increased pollutant concentrations.

Inhaling these pollutants can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness, and even long-term health issues. Additionally, cleaning solutions may contain fragrances and other additives that can release additional VOCs. These synthetic fragrances can trigger allergic reactions and worsen symptoms for individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies.

To minimize the impact on indoor air quality, choose cleaning products labeled as low-VOC or VOC-free.

4. Building Supplies

Many building materials contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted as gasses. These VOCs can originate from paints, adhesives, sealants, and synthetic materials like carpets and furniture. When released into the air, VOCs can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and allergic reactions.

Additionally, building supplies such as insulation, plywood, and particleboard often contain formaldehyde, a known respiratory irritant and carcinogen. Formaldehyde off-gasses over time, especially in warm and humid conditions, leading to unhealthy indoor air quality.

Dust and particulate matter generated during construction or renovation projects also contribute to indoor air pollution. These particles can contain allergens, chemicals, and even hazardous substances like lead or asbestos, which pose serious health risks when inhaled.

To mitigate these issues, choose low-emitting building materials. 

5. Tobacco Smoking

Smoking tobacco releases a wide range of toxic substances, including carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene, and particulate matter. These pollutants can linger in the air long after you extinguish cigarettes and can be inhaled by both smokers and non-smokers. For example, carbon monoxide reduces the ability of blood to carry oxygen, leading to decreased oxygen supply to the body's organs. 

To ensure good indoor air quality, establish smoke-free environments and encourage smokers to refrain from smoking indoors.

Get Your Plumbing, Heating, and A/C Issues Resolved

Don't let a malfunctioning A/C ruin your day—contact us for quick solutions. Trust our skilled technicians to fix your plumbing, heating, and A/C systems with precision. Contact us today, and let us tackle your plumbing and HVAC problems head-on.