How to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution

There is a growing awareness that indoor air is not a haven from pollution. Contaminants, chemicals and toxic materials enter our homes through the products we buy, the finishes we choose and from our every day activities. The good news is there are simple ways to take charge and reduce indoor air pollution.

The first step to healthier indoor air is eliminating contaminants. Conventional building materials, furniture and finishes have been generous with the chemicals used in manufacturing with little consideration for how these processes affect users over the long-term.

Products like carpeting, cabinetry, paint and flooring contain chemicals which “off-gas” when drying and continue to emit toxins into indoor air. VOCs (Volatile organic compounds) are often found in paints and stains. They are solvents that help keep a liquid consistency and enhance paint performance. When paints dry inside the home, these chemicals are released into the air producing the “fumes”. Once air born, these chemicals can irritate eyes and the respiratory system and also contribute to smog outdoors. Opt for low-VOC paints and non-toxic sealers to reduce chemicals and “off-gassing”.

Another chemical that is commonly found in homes is formaldehyde. Cabinets, flooring and other wood products often use formaldehyde in the treatment process. This compound is a suspected carcinogenic so the last place it should be is in the space you occupy and the air you breathe. Specify formaldehyde free products whenever possible and especially for surfaces that you will come in to contact with everyday, like cabinets.

An easy way to reduce indoor air pollution is to take off your shoes when you walk through the door. In green buildings, reduction of indoor pollutants is a top priority. Many designers pay specific attention to entryways to determine the best manner to remove debris from the shoes of occupants. This is not just to reduce cleaning costs but also works to keep allergens and pollutants out of living and work spaces to keep employees healthy and productive.

While you’re thinking clean consider the chemicals you are using. It is a bit counterproductive to choose natural, low-toxin finishes and then clean them with industrial strength chemicals. In the same way that VOCs hang around long after the fumes clear out, the chemicals in conventional cleaners cling to surfaces after they are dry.

Chemicals found in common conventional cleaners include formaldehyde, hydrochloric acid and more. In addition to cancer, many chemical cleaners we use in the home can cause damage to the nervous system, kidneys, liver and cause birth defects. Switching to non-toxic cleaners wherever possible helps reduce contaminants in the air and on surfaces we touch every day.

In addition to eliminating chemicals, you can also try a whole house or portable, table-top HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter to remove dust, allergens and pollutants from indoor air. You can also purchase a vacuum with a HEPA filter to help keep the air clear while cleaning. Natural ventilation from fresh air and controlling moisture problems will help keep mold and mildew at bay. Two more easy indoor air quality boosts are to install a carbon monoxide alarm and test for radon periodically. Both of these gases are dangerous pollutants that can be easily monitored and remedied.

*Note: The information in this article is general advice and not meant as a substitute for personal guidance from a financial advisor, real estate professional or legal counsel. Although the author is a licensed realtor, the advice given in this article does not constitute any client contract or agreement between the author and the user. The author is not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your decisions.