Most people would never consider drinking contaminated water. Yet many of us are breathing dirty air on a daily basis. While we may be aware of outdoor air pollution, awareness of indoor air pollution remains low which can be up to 10 times worse than outdoor air pollution. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also shared that household air pollution was responsible for an estimated 3.2 million deaths per year in 2020.
Outdoor and indoor air pollution are often treated as two separate entities. However, outdoor pollutants such as vehicle exhaust fumes, pollen and mould spores, can enter our indoor spaces. When sealing our windows and doors, it may seem like we’re shutting pollution out. But in truth, we’re shutting it in. Once inside, they can react with indoor pollutants, creating a complex cocktail of dirty air.
We are potentially breathing this dirty air inside our homes while sleeping, working, cooking, or exercising, and we already spend 90% of our time indoors. Most air pollution can’t be seen or smelled. But although it’s often invisible, its effects are not. Therefore, it’s important we understand the invisible dangers in our homes.
Ginger Lee, Senior Electronics Engineer, Dyson talks about common household pollutants and suggestions of how they can be reduced in a home.
Cooking
Burning fuels such as gas or oil can release VOCs, as well as tiny particulates called PM2.5, which are emitted during combustion. Despite the pleasant smells coming from the kitchen, it’s possible that, as a result, the air contains some of these unwanted pollutants.
Cleaning
It is a cruel juxtaposition that when we clean our homes, we can simultaneously be dirtying the air that we breathe. VOCs from fragrances used in cleaning products evaporate into the air at room temperature, forming vapours we can breathe in.
Painting & home improvements
That smell of fresh paint or new furniture can be a sign of VOCs like Benzene and Formaldehyde, which can linger in the air. To help lower your exposure, look for paints that are low in VOCs, which are often quick-drying, water-based or low-odour options. Using a purifier will also help the pollutants clear more quickly and may reduce your overall exposure.
Self-Care
Self-care sessions can offer some much-needed respite from the monotony of life in lockdown but products that make our homes smell better can often have a negative impact on air quality. Scented candles release VOCs into the atmosphere, with the burning of wax emitting some of the same chemicals found in diesel fuel emissions. Personal care products such as hair spray, lotions and perfume may also be offenders, as they can emit pollutant gases into the air of your home.
We can do little to control the quality of the air we breathe outside. But there are ways we can protect our health and well-being in our homes. We can take a few simple measures to prevent toxic air from building up inside. This can help us lead longer, healthier and happier lives. Using an air purifier is one such step. A few machines offer full-machine HEPA filtration- ensuring that what goes inside, stays inside. The formaldehyde sensing and cooling airflow maintain air quality within your home all year round.
Outdoor and indoor air pollution are often treated as two separate entities. However, outdoor pollutants such as vehicle exhaust fumes, pollen and mould spores, can enter our indoor spaces. When sealing our windows and doors, it may seem like we’re shutting pollution out. But in truth, we’re shutting it in. Once inside, they can react with indoor pollutants, creating a complex cocktail of dirty air.
We are potentially breathing this dirty air inside our homes while sleeping, working, cooking, or exercising, and we already spend 90% of our time indoors. Most air pollution can’t be seen or smelled. But although it’s often invisible, its effects are not. Therefore, it’s important we understand the invisible dangers in our homes.
Ginger Lee, Senior Electronics Engineer, Dyson talks about common household pollutants and suggestions of how they can be reduced in a home.
Cooking
Burning fuels such as gas or oil can release VOCs, as well as tiny particulates called PM2.5, which are emitted during combustion. Despite the pleasant smells coming from the kitchen, it’s possible that, as a result, the air contains some of these unwanted pollutants.
Cleaning
It is a cruel juxtaposition that when we clean our homes, we can simultaneously be dirtying the air that we breathe. VOCs from fragrances used in cleaning products evaporate into the air at room temperature, forming vapours we can breathe in.
Painting & home improvements
That smell of fresh paint or new furniture can be a sign of VOCs like Benzene and Formaldehyde, which can linger in the air. To help lower your exposure, look for paints that are low in VOCs, which are often quick-drying, water-based or low-odour options. Using a purifier will also help the pollutants clear more quickly and may reduce your overall exposure.
Self-Care
Self-care sessions can offer some much-needed respite from the monotony of life in lockdown but products that make our homes smell better can often have a negative impact on air quality. Scented candles release VOCs into the atmosphere, with the burning of wax emitting some of the same chemicals found in diesel fuel emissions. Personal care products such as hair spray, lotions and perfume may also be offenders, as they can emit pollutant gases into the air of your home.
We can do little to control the quality of the air we breathe outside. But there are ways we can protect our health and well-being in our homes. We can take a few simple measures to prevent toxic air from building up inside. This can help us lead longer, healthier and happier lives. Using an air purifier is one such step. A few machines offer full-machine HEPA filtration- ensuring that what goes inside, stays inside. The formaldehyde sensing and cooling airflow maintain air quality within your home all year round.
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