Feature stories

Learn to recognize common air pollutants

Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can damage their health, but few realize that indoor air pollution can be as or even more harmful.  Many of us are constantly exposed to a variety of chemicals and toxins in our homes from items including cleaning products, personal care products and household appliances.

Given that we spend approximately 80 to 90 percent of our time inside, it makes sense to reduce unnecessary exposures where possible. The following identifies some everyday air pollutants and provides simple solutions to improving the quality of the air in your home. 

Laundry Area

Problem

Scented cleaning products, such as laundry detergents and fabric softeners, can contain hundreds of chemicals. Many of these chemicals can cause health problems such as shortness of breath, headaches, nausea, and cold-like symptoms.

Solution

Try using unscented laundry detergent and fabric softener. Look for the Canadian Ecologo on product packaging and pay attention to ingredient labels.

Kitchen

Problem

Pesticides and common household cleaning products can be quite hazardous to your health because many contain toxic chemicals that can be inhaled, even after the smell is gone.  Pesticides, for example, are chemical or biological substances used to destroy living things such as insects (insecticides), plants (herbicides) and termites (termicides).

Solution

The best way to avoid indoor air pollution from pesticides is to not use them at all.  Look for non-toxic household products, or make them from air-friendly products.

Problem

Any fuel-burning appliance that is not adequately vented and maintained can be a potential source of Carbon Monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless and highly toxic gas. Common CO producing appliances are gas ovens, stoves and fireplaces. Breathing in low levels of CO can cause fatigue and increase chest pain in people with chronic heart disease. Breathing in higher levels of carbon monoxide can also cause flu-like symptoms.

Solution

Install a carbon monoxide detector with an audible alarm in your home and have your gas appliances inspected annually.

Living Room/Common Areas

 Problem

New carpets can release chemical contaminants such as formaldehyde. These contaminants can cause headaches, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.

Simple Solution

Ask your retailer for low chemical emission carpet, cushion, and adhesives. It is also important to properly ventilate before and after new carpet instillation. Try opening windows or leaving the premises.

Problem

Old carpets can become a source of biological contaminants as they collect moisture, dirt, and debris. Allergic reactions may be the most common health problem associated with biological agents emitted from old carpets.

Simple Solution

Keep carpets clean and dry. Regular vacuuming through a central vacuum system is highly effective. When cleaning, use only nontoxic carpet cleaners and follow the manufacturer's directions carefully.

Problem

Biological agents, or pollutants, are things that are, or were, once living organisms. Mold is a common biological pollutant that grows from nutrients in food debris and excessive moisture. Allergic reactions and infectious diseases are common health problems associated with biological agents. People with asthma are especially susceptible to allergic problems caused by biological agents.

Solution

Proper cleaning and maintenance can help reduce problems with biological agents. It is important to control moisture, clean surfaces, minimize dust, and maintain proper indoor air ventilation.

Bathroom

Problem

Indoor air can be too humid (damp) or not humid enough (dry). Too much humidity can cause mold growth, which is a common problem in the bathroom. Not enough humidity can cause increased levels of dust. To balance indoor air moisture humidifiers are often used. However, humidifiers can circulate dust, dirt, and mold. These pollutants can aggravate allergies and asthma, and irritate your eyes, nose, and throat.

Solution

Buy a hygrometer, a humidity measuring tool (available from electronic specialty stores or hardware stores), and measure exactly what humidity levels you are dealing with in various parts of the home.
Make sure the ventilation in your home is circulating as much fresh air as possible. If you choose to purchase a humidifier, clean it as often as you can.

Common signs and symptoms of people exposed to poor indoor air include:

  1. Headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath

  2. Worsening allergy and asthma symptoms

  3. Sinus congestion, cough, and sneezing

  4. Eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation

  5. Dizziness and nausea

Who is most vulnerable to indoor air pollutants?

  1. People with allergies or asthma

  2. People with other lung diseases

  3. People with suppressed immune systems

  4. Contact lens users

  5. Children

The BC Lung Association provides information to help individuals take simple actions in and around their homes that will improve the quality of the air they breathe.  Contact us at 1-800-665-5864 or for more information on indoor-air-pollutants and detoxifying solutions, please see www.bc.lung.ca/airquality or visit Ontario Lung Association’s Healthy Home website at www.yourhealthyhome.ca.

Privacy Statement & Disclaimer