Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): The Hidden Health Challeng
Indoor air quality refers to the condition of the air inside homes, offices, schools, and public buildings — including the presence of pollutants, humidity levels, and ventilation.
It affects how we breathe, think, sleep, and even our immune function.
Many assume indoor air is safer than outdoor air — but in reality, indoor air can be 2–5 times more polluted due to trapped emissions and poor ventilation.
1. Major Indoor Air Pollutants
| Type of Pollutant | Source | Health Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Particulate Matter (PM₂.₅, PM₁₀) | Cooking smoke, candles, dust, smoking | Respiratory irritation, asthma |
| Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) | Paints, cleaning products, perfumes, furniture | Headaches, dizziness, long-term organ damage |
| Carbon Monoxide (CO) | Gas stoves, heaters, car exhaust | Dizziness, fatigue, even death in high exposure |
| Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) | Gas cooking, heating appliances | Lung inflammation, worsened asthma |
| Formaldehyde | Furniture, pressed wood, insulation | Eye irritation, allergic reactions, cancer risk |
| Mold & Fungi | Damp walls, poor ventilation | Allergies, respiratory infections |
| Radon Gas | Soil, basements, building materials | Leading cause of lung cancer after smoking |
| Biological Pollutants | Pet dander, dust mites, bacteria | Allergies, sinus issues, breathing problems |
2. Common Sources of Indoor Pollution
- Cooking & Heating: Especially with biomass fuels or gas stoves
- Smoking: Tobacco smoke and secondhand smoke indoors
- Building Materials: Paints, varnishes, carpets, glues, and pressed wood furniture release VOCs
- Cleaning Agents & Air Fresheners: Many emit harmful chemicals
- Poor Ventilation: Traps CO₂ and pollutants inside rooms
- Office Equipment: Printers, photocopiers release ozone and VOCs
- Outdoor Pollution Entry: Traffic and industrial smog entering through open windows or doors
Fact: WHO (2024) reports that 3.2 million premature deaths annually are linked to indoor air pollution, mainly from household cooking emissions.
3. Health Impacts of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Poor IAQ can cause both short-term and long-term health problems:
Short-term Effects:
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Fatigue and headaches
- Coughing and sneezing
- Dizziness or nausea
Long-term Effects:
- Chronic respiratory diseases (asthma, COPD)
- Heart diseases
- Lung cancer (especially from radon & tobacco smoke)
- Allergies and weakened immunity
- Reduced cognitive performance and productivity
- Sleep disturbances
4. Indoor Air Quality & Mental Wellbeing
Recent studies show a strong connection between indoor air and brain health:
- High CO₂ levels can reduce concentration, alertness, and decision-making ability.
- VOCs and chemical fumes can increase stress and anxiety.
- Clean, well-ventilated air improves focus, mood, and sleep quality.
Harvard T.H. Chan School Study (2024): Offices with better air quality showed 61% higher cognitive function in employees.
5. Improving Indoor Air Quality
A. Increase Ventilation
- Open windows and doors for cross ventilation.
- Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Install mechanical ventilation or air purifiers in high-pollution areas.
B. Control Sources
- Use low-VOC paints, eco-friendly cleaning products.
- Avoid smoking or burning candles indoors.
- Service gas stoves and heaters regularly to prevent CO leaks.
C. Use Air Purification Technologies
- HEPA filters for dust, pollen, and microbes.
- Activated carbon filters for gases and odors.
- UV or ionization systems (in advanced purifiers) for sterilization.
D. Maintain Healthy Humidity
- Ideal humidity: 30–50%
- Use dehumidifiers in damp areas to prevent mold growth.
E. Indoor Plants
Some plants help naturally purify air by absorbing CO₂ and VOCs:
- Peace Lily
- Snake Plant
- Areca Palm
- Spider Plant
- Aloe Vera