What Are Some Examples Of Indoor Air Pollution?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  • Mold and pollen.
  • Tobacco smoke.
  • Household products and pesticides.
  • Gases such as radon and carbon monoxide.
  • Materials used in the building such as asbestos, formaldehyde and lead.

What are the 4 major indoor air pollutants?

The Environmental Protection Agency has noted that

excess moisture, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and radon

are four major indoor air pollutants.

What are some examples of indoor and outdoor air pollutants?

There are myriad forms and sources of indoor pollution, including

combustion (tobacco smoke, stoves, fireplaces, and wood stoves)

, household products, construction materials, biologic agents (e.g., microbes, pets), off-gassing from water, and soil gas. In particular, soil gas is the origin of most indoor radon.

What causes indoor air pollution examples?


Wood stoves, space heaters, water heaters, fireplaces and dryers

, the fuel-burning combustion appliances that you have in your home also cause indoor air pollution. All these unvented or poorly vented fuel-burning appliances put out hazardous carbon monoxide as well as nitrogen dioxide.

What is an example of indoor air pollution?

Common residential indoor pollutants include excessive moisture, volatile organic compounds (VOCs),

combustion products, radon, pesticides, dust particles, viruses

, and bacteria.

What are the major sources of indoor air pollution?

  • Fuel-burning combustion appliances.
  • Tobacco products.
  • Building materials and furnishings as diverse as: …
  • Products for household cleaning and maintenance, personal care, or hobbies.
  • Central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices.
  • Excess moisture.
  • Outdoor sources such as:

What are the symptoms of bad air quality in the home?

Occupants of homes with poor indoor air quality may complain of symptoms such as

headache, eye irritation, fatigue, dry throat, sinus congestion, dizziness, and nausea

. Because many illnesses can cause these symptoms, diagnosing sick building syndrome is difficult.

What are the 5 main factors that affect indoor air quality?

  • Chemicals for intended use or unintentional emissions from different sources.
  • Radon.
  • Particles.
  • Microbes.
  • Pets and pests.
  • Humidity.
  • Ventilation.
  • Temperature.

How can I purify the air in my house naturally?

  1. Salt Crystal Lamp. …
  2. Beeswax Candles. …
  3. Houseplants. …
  4. Activated Charcoal. …
  5. Proper ventilation. …
  6. Essential Oils.

How do you purify the air in your house?

  1. Open Your Windows.
  2. Spruce Up Your Décor With Houseplants.
  3. Opt for Essential Oil Diffusers.
  4. Opt for Beeswax Candles.
  5. Take Your Shoes Off.
  6. Keep Your Pets Groomed.
  7. Run the AC.
  8. Clean With Non-toxic Chemicals.

What are the 6 common air pollutants?

These six pollutants are

carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, ground-level ozone, particle pollution

(often referred to as particulate matter), and sulfur oxides.

What is not an indoor source of pollution?

Indoor air pollution may arise from the use of open fires,

unsafe fuels

or combustion of biomass fuels, coal and kerosene. … Other pollutants not associated with fuel combustion include building materials such as asbestos and cement, wood preservatives and others.

How can I improve the air quality in my older house?

  1. Change your AC filter. …
  2. Don’t forget about other air filters. …
  3. Check your air ducts. …
  4. Use cooking vents. …
  5. Keep your rugs and carpets clean. …
  6. Control humidity in your home. …
  7. Buy indoor plants to freshen the air.

What is the most harmful indoor pollution?


Cigarette Smoke

: Secondhand tobacco smoke is one the most dangerous indoor air pollutants there is. Smoke from cigarettes contains around 200 known poisons, including 60 carcinogens (cancer causing chemicals).

Is the air in my home toxic?

The shocking fact is that the air inside your home is

generally between two and five times more polluted than the air outside

, says the Environmental Protection Agency. Some factors can make indoor air up to 100 times more toxic than the outdoor environment.

How can we prevent indoor air pollution?

  1. Avoid smoking indoors (but quitting smoking is the best answer for overall health).
  2. Use craft supplies in well-ventilated areas.
  3. Make sure your gas stove is well-ventilated.
  4. Minimize clutter.
  5. Remove carpeting if possible.
  6. Use a dehumidifier and/or air conditioner to reduce moisture.
Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.