About 4.2 million people die at an early age due to indoor air pollution. Cooking and cleaning are the main sources of household pollution.

When cooking, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter are generated, the same pollutants we find outdoors.

According to the World Health Organization, about 4.2 million people die prematurely from indoor air pollution, most of them women and children.

Indoor air pollution is produced by the release of harmful pollutants into homes, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide and many other toxins.

Although pollution in all its forms is harmful to health, indoor air pollution is particularly harmful because people spend most of their time indoors.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollutant levels are typically 3 times higher than outdoors.

According to the BBC website, we spend 90% of our time indoors, and the average person inhales up to 20,000 liters of air per day. Exposure to pollutants in stagnant air indoors can pose risks to our health and well-being.

Causing symptoms such as eye irritation, respiratory problems, and even headaches.

A report published by the British charity Global Action Plan last year also found that nearly half of UK homes suffer from high indoor air pollution.

The data also showed that a fifth of homes had more than double the safe levels of formaldehyde.

In another study conducted by researchers in Portugal, to assess the air quality in the homes where newborns and their mothers live;

They found that 3-quarters of homes experienced levels of PM2.5 that exceeded the limits recommended by the World Health Organization, which are small particles that are dangerous to human health when inhaled.

Sources of pollution in homes

There are many causes of indoor air pollution, and some of them can be easily identified because of their smell, but many of them go undetected. Here are some of the activities that lead to indoor air pollution:

Even the use of modern stoves can pose a health hazard inside the home (Getty Images)

home energy sources

It is estimated that 3 billion people around the world still cook with open fires or simple stoves powered by kerosene, coal or biomass, which produce large amounts of indoor pollution.

But even the use of modern stoves can pose a health hazard.

cooking

Cooking is one of the main sources of household air pollution. A housewife is more exposed to dangerous pollution particles when inhaled while cooking an omelette - for example - in your kitchen compared to standing on the side of an ordinary road.

Barbecuing can also produce higher levels of pollutants than you would be exposed to on the streets of Delhi (one of the most polluted cities in the world).

So experts stress that people should always use an exhaust fan or open a window when cooking.

cleaning products

The chemicals in many cleaning products can pollute indoor air, as these chemical products release toxic fumes that can be harmful when inhaled.

Vacuuming is also another source of indoor air pollution unless appropriate, high-quality filters are used, and wiping with certain cleaning products can also increase levels of airborne chemicals.

Chemicals in many cleaning products can pollute the indoor air of a home (Shutterstock)

home scents

The sole purpose of home scents is to make the air smell nice.

In turn, we intentionally release a cocktail of chemicals into the indoor environment and lower the quality of the air we breathe;

Where more than 100 different chemicals are emitted from air fresheners, the exact components of which we do not know.

And according to the website of the British newspaper “The Guardian”, our ubiquitous exposure to scented products has been associated with various adverse health effects.

In a study conducted in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Sweden, it was reported that 32.2% of people are sensitive to fragrance, and this is a risk factor for them that may lead to asthma and headaches.

tobacco smoke

According to the World Economic Forum, tobacco smoke is reported to cause 10 times more air pollution than diesel exhaust, making it one of the most dangerous sources of indoor air pollution;

Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 cancer-causing chemicals.

mold

Mold is an indoor air pollutant that can cause myriad health problems, including respiratory infections, asthma, and allergies.

Mold grows in moist environments and can be found in certain areas of the home such as walls, floors, ceilings, and basements.

Pet dander

Pet dander is another common source of indoor air pollution in homes.

Where the pet gets rid of dander, skin and saliva in the air, which when inhaled causes various respiratory problems.

Pet dander is a common source of indoor air pollution in homes (Shutterstock)

How do you get rid of air pollution at home?

To reduce indoor air pollutants, experts agree that removal of the source of pollution and ventilation are essential.

  • Take care of ventilation and open the windows of the house.

    Proper ventilation helps remove polluted indoor air and replace it with fresh, clean air from outside.

    Inadequate ventilation in homes leads to a buildup of carbon dioxide, which can cause health problems, including headaches, dizziness and fatigue.

  • Use an electric stove instead of a gas stove if possible.

    Do not use chemical cleaning products frequently, and do not overuse candles, incense, and air fresheners.

  • Use green cleaners made with natural ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, borax, and citrus fruits.

    These products are safe and effective at cleaning surfaces and removing dirt and dust.

  • Keep indoor spaces clean and dry, especially areas where mold tends to grow like the kitchen and bathroom, and grow indoor plants, which help purify the air, absorb pollutants, release oxygen, increase humidity, and reduce dust levels.

  • Use air purifiers, which remove pollutants such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander.