The Silent Threat: Indoor Air Pollution and Its Impact on Our Health

We spend a significant amount of time (that's 90%)  indoors – at homes, offices, places of worship, restaurants, gyms, and even in our cars. 

While we often focus on the dangers of outdoor air pollution, the air inside our buildings can be just as harmful, if not more so. 

In many parts of the world, including India, buildings are often poorly ventilated, especially during the hot and humid months. This lack of fresh air circulation allows pollutants to accumulate indoors, reaching much higher concentrations than those found outdoors. Furthermore, the prevalence of air conditioning in India adds another layer of complexity.

While air conditioners provide some relief from the heat, they can also trap pollutants indoors if the filters are not changed regularly. Additionally, some air conditioning systems may even recirculate a significant portion of the indoor air, further concentrating pollutants. This combination of poor ventilation and air conditioning use can significantly increase exposure to indoor air pollutants and their associated health risks.

Indoor air pollution can trigger a variety of health problems, ranging from mild irritation to serious respiratory illnesses.

Let’s dive into 

• The dangers of indoor air pollution, 
• It's impact on our health
• Solution

The Invisible Enemy: Common Indoor Air Pollutants

Our indoor environment can harbor a surprising array of pollutants. Unlike outdoor air pollution, which is regulated by environmental agencies, indoor air quality is largely up to us. Here are some of the most common indoor air pollutants:

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): 
• Emitted from a wide variety of sources, VOCs are organic chemicals that can easily evaporate at room temperature. Common sources include paints, varnishes, sealants, adhesives, cleaning products, air fresheners, personal care products, and even some building materials 12. 
• These chemicals can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Long-term exposure to VOCs has also been linked to respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even cancer 13. 
• A 2013 study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found an association between exposure to VOCs and an increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• Radon: 
• A colorless, odorless gas that arises from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 15. 
• The EPA estimates that radon is responsible for over 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States annually 16. 
• Radon levels can vary significantly depending on geographic location and building construction. Testing your home for radon is crucial for identifying and mitigating this health risk.

• Secondhand Smoke: 
• Exposure to secondhand smoke, even in low amounts, can cause a variety of health problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that secondhand smoke exposure is responsible for approximately 41,000 deaths from heart disease in non-smoking adults each year in the United States. 
• It can also cause serious respiratory problems, including lung infections and asthma attacks, especially in children.

• Biological Pollutants: 
• Mold, mildew, and dust mites can thrive in damp environments, particularly in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. These biological pollutants can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms, causing coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and itchy eyes. 
• The CDC estimates that 24.3 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with asthma.

• Carbon Monoxide (CO): 
• This odorless, colorless gas is a byproduct of incomplete combustion. Sources like faulty furnaces, gas stoves, and water heaters can leak CO, which can lead to dizziness, headaches, nausea, and even death in high concentrations.

• Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5): 
• These microscopic particles, measuring less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, can become lodged deep within the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Sources of indoor PM2.5 include cigarette smoke, cooking with gas, burning candles, and outdoor air pollution that enters buildings through cracks and ventilation systems

One Issue, Many Impacts

Indoor pollution poses a serious threat to our children and our health.

 

 

Solution: 

AirX Purifier's technology is inspired by the natural process of photosynthesis, effectively turning your home or office into a green oasis. Our purifier is designed to be energy-efficient and eco-friendly, making it not just good for you, but also for the planet.

 

Read more about how AirX is your best defence against indoor pollution.