Indoor air pollution is a growing concern in today's world. Many people assume that the air inside their homes is clean and safe to breathe, but this is often not the case. In fact, the air inside your home can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside.

What is Indoor Air Pollution?

Indoor air pollution refers to the presence of harmful pollutants and contaminants in the air inside buildings, including homes, offices, and other indoor spaces. These pollutants can come from a variety of sources, including household cleaning products, cooking appliances, building materials, and outdoor air pollution that seeps inside.

Common Indoor Air Pollutants

There are many different types of indoor air pollutants that can negatively impact human health. Some of the most common include:

Radon: a radioactive gas that can seep into buildings from the ground beneath them.

Carbon monoxide: a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by the combustion of fossil fuels.

Formaldehyde: a chemical that is often found in building materials such as particleboard and plywood.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): a group of chemicals that are released into the air by products such as paints, solvents, and cleaning agents.

Particulate matter: tiny particles that can come from sources such as cooking, tobacco smoke, and outdoor air pollution.

Effects of Indoor Air Pollution on Health

Exposure to indoor air pollutants can cause a wide range of health problems, from minor irritation to serious illness. Some of the most common effects of indoor air pollution include:
 

1. Respiratory problems: exposure to pollutants such as particulate matter and VOCs can cause or exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.
    

2. Headaches and dizziness: exposure to carbon monoxide and other pollutants can cause headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms.
    

3. Skin irritation: exposure to chemicals and other irritants in the air can cause skin irritation and other allergic reactions.
    

4. Cancer: long-term exposure to certain indoor air pollutants, such as radon and formaldehyde, can increase the risk of cancer.