A recent 2018 report on climate change indicates that air quality is becoming an increased threat to human health. While the quality of outdoor air has been the focus of climate change discussion, indoor air quality is equally significant. According to research by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we spend a shocking 90 percent of our lives in indoor environments such as homes, schools, workplaces, gyms, and transportation vehicles.
The extensive amount of time we spend inside buildings exposes us to a variety of indoor air pollutants, some of which are more harmful than outdoor air pollutants. Here, we'll discuss the types of indoor air pollutants you may encounter in your home and workplace, how these pollutants impact health, and what you can do to clean up the air in your living and work environments.
The 11 Types of Indoor Air Pollution
According to the recently-published Fourth National Climate Assessment, more than 100 million people in the United States live in communities where air pollution exceeds health-based air quality standards. In addition, it is estimated that nearly 2.6 million people globally die per year from illnesses attributable to indoor air pollution. Indoor air pollution represents the sum total of outdoor air pollutants, which easily enter indoor environments through windows and air ventilation systems, and pollutants originating indoors.
Asbestos
A type of mineral fiber that naturally occurs in rock and soil.
Widely used in building materials.
Exposure can lead to serious respiratory conditions. Professional remediation is recommended.
Biological Pollutants
Biological pollutants include mold, bacteria, viruses, and more.
Water damage creates a hospitable environment for these pollutants.
They can cause respiratory issues. Address water damage to prevent their growth.
Carbon Monoxide
A colorless, deadly gas.
Produced by various indoor sources.
It can be lethal. Proper maintenance of appliances is crucial.
Nitrogen Dioxide
A highly reactive gas.
Indoor sources like unvented combustion appliances and tobacco smoke.
Linked to respiratory problems. Proper maintenance and ventilation are key.
Radon
A colorless, odorless gas.
Results from the radioactive decay of radium in soil.
Exposure is linked to respiratory issues and lung cancer. Sealing basements can help.
Formaldehyde
A colorless gas with an acrid odor.
Emitted by various indoor sources.
Highly irritating and carcinogenic.
Lead
A toxic heavy metal.
Historical use in products like paint.
Linked to various health issues. Professional remediation may be necessary.
Pesticides
Chemicals used to kill unwanted plant growth.
Widespread use in households and outdoor spaces.
Yes, they are harmful. Avoid indoor use and maintain a "no shoes" zone.
Secondhand Smoke and E-cigarettes
Both represent serious indoor air pollution threats.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Gases emitted from certain liquids and solids.
Released by various products.
Linked to respiratory and other issues.
Indoor Particulate Matter
A mixture of solid and liquid particles.
Released during combustion and from various sources.
Indoor levels can exceed outdoor levels, posing a health threat.
The Health Effects of Indoor Air Pollution
Indoor air pollution can have immediate or delayed health effects, posing risks comparable to an unhealthy diet or inadequate sleep.
Respiratory Issues
Various pollutants harm the respiratory system:
Mold and mycotoxins lead to asthma-like symptoms, infections, and rhinitis.
Nitrogen dioxide, tobacco smoke, formaldehyde, VOCs, and particulate matter are linked to asthma, bronchitis, and COPD.
Asbestos is notorious for causing lung issues, including pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer.
Heart Disease
Air pollution promotes atherosclerosis, a major cause of heart disease. Gaseous pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide contribute by inducing inflammation, raising blood pressure, and oxidizing cholesterol.
Autoimmune Disease
Prolonged exposure to air pollution can lead to autoimmune diseases by modifying body proteins, triggering an immune response, and causing chronic inflammation. Asbestos exposure is a known risk factor, while other pollutants like silica dust and PM pollution exacerbate conditions like diabetes and arthritis.
Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Indoor air houses antibiotic-resistant bacteria, as enclosed spaces in office buildings and schools facilitate their transfer and evolution. These bacteria also produce bioaerosols that negatively impact human health.
Brain Function
Air pollution not only affects the respiratory and cardiovascular systems but also the brain. Tiny indoor particles, including those from cooking, scented candles, and cigarette smoke, can cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Mold mycotoxins from water-damaged buildings can trigger brain inflammation, apoptosis, and neurotransmitter changes. These effects on the brain can alter development, impair memory and reasoning, and increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Children’s Health
Children are particularly vulnerable to indoor air pollution:
Airborne particulate matter and molds increase the risk of allergies.
Traffic-related air pollution indoors reduces cognitive function and may contribute to ADHD.
Maternal exposure during pregnancy to particulate matter can affect a child's neurobehavioral development.
Improving indoor air quality is essential for health, especially in environments where children are present.
Indoor air pollutants can have adverse effects on health, including respiratory diseases, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, antibiotic-resistant bacteria exposure, and impact on brain function. Children are particularly vulnerable to indoor air pollution.
Cleaning Your Indoor Air
To improve indoor air quality in your home or workplace, start by eliminating sources of airborne pollutants. Here are key strategies:
Assess indoor air quality with a professional testing company.
Collaborate with an indoor air specialist to remediate pollution sources like asbestos, mold, and lead-painted surfaces. Repair water leaks to prevent future damage.
Maintain indoor humidity at 30-50% to deter mold growth using a dehumidifier, regularly emptying its reservoir.
Properly maintain, clean, and vent combustion appliances outdoors.
Replace central heating and cooling system filters regularly.
Replace formaldehyde-containing materials with alternatives like solid wood and low-VOC products.
Avoid pesticides, paraffin candles, and aerosol sprays; opt for beeswax candles scented with essential oils.
Avoid idling your car in the garage.
Use a HEPA vacuum and keep surfaces dust-free.
Install a radon detector.
Establish a "no shoes zone" to reduce tracking of lead or pesticide dust.
Prohibit smoking indoors.
Consider investing in a high-quality air filter like Air Doctor to continuously clean the air in your living space.
Recommended Air Filter: Air Doctor
Air Doctor is a top choice for air filtration due to its effectiveness in removing contaminants. Unlike "filterless filters" that drop pollutants to the floor, Air Doctor captures and filters them. Benefits include:
A state-of-the-art UltraHepa™ Filter, 100 times more effective in capturing fine particles.
A patented dual-action carbon/gas trap/VOC filter that removes harmful gases.
A 100% sealed system to ensure all air passes through the filters.
Auto-mode for efficient air cleaning.
A convenient change filter alert.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! Do you live or work in a building with air quality issues? What steps have you taken to improve the air quality in your living environment? Let me know in the comments below.
Bridgit Danner, LAc, FDNP, is trained in functional health coaching and has worked with thousands of women over her career since 2004. She is the founder of Women’s Wellness Collaborative llc and HormoneDetoxShop.com.