Think our indoor air is safe? 4 surprising ways you’re worsening your indoor AQI

The deteriorating air quality levels are causing an alarm across the country. The outdoor pollution is now even visible with smog and sometimes even the smell of pollutants in the air. While we are concerned about outdoor pollution, indoor air pollution is still going unnoticed despite being potentially more harmful. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), indoor air pollution causes around 4.3 million deaths annually, making it a critical public health issue.
Raising awareness of these sources of indoor pollution can empower us to create safer, healthier living and working environments. Home isn't always a safe haven, and pollution can be generated indoors through day-to-day activities, enter the house from outside, and emit from surfaces, eventually making up a complex cocktail of pollutants. Common household items release harmful gases, particles, and other contaminants into the air, adding to the pollution indoors. As we increasingly seal our homes to seemingly shut pollution out, in truth, we may be shutting it in. Moreover, outdoor pollutants frequently infiltrate indoor spaces, making homes equally susceptible.
Outdoor sources of indoor air pollution
Windows, doorways, and ventilation systems can all provide an entrance for outdoor air pollution to infiltrate a home and become trapped. The range of outdoor pollutants varies drastically. Everything from pesticides used for plants, insects, and rodents to exhaust, radon, and more can be carried in through the air or be tracked in on our clothing. Ensuring that ventilation systems are cleaned and up to date, sealing doors and windows properly, and cleaning dust and debris from shoes and clothing before entering your home are some simple ways to help reduce outdoor sources of indoor air pollution.
Stoves and ovens
Kitchens are full of potential sources of indoor air pollution. Cooking with gas and electric stoves can introduce a range of pollutants into the air. Carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and more can be released while cooking with natural gas, while both gas and electric stoves can release irritants from food ingredients and cooking oils, especially at high heats. Using a range hood is one of the most effective ways to remove common cooking pollutants from the air.
Painting & home improvements
Home improvement projects like painting or adding new furniture can transform the look of any space, but they often release chemicals and VOCs that impact indoor air quality. The “new” smell from fresh paint or furniture can indicate the presence of VOCs like benzene and formaldehyde, which can linger. To reduce exposure, opt for low-VOC paints—typically water-based, low-odor, and quick-drying. Using a purifier will also help the pollutants clear more quickly and may reduce your overall exposure.
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.
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 PM sensors and cooling airflow maintain air quality within your home all year round.
With inputs from: Alex Hudson, Dyson Engineer