Indoor air quality refers to the grade or degree of excellence of the air, within and around the buildings and structures especially with relation to the health and comfort of building dwellers.
Several factors play their respective roles in this regard such as:
* Carbon monoxide
* Radon
* Volatile organic compounds particles
* Molds, bacteria etc
* Energy stressors that promote unfriendly health circumstances.
Establishment of indoor air quality standards entails the following:
* Gathering of samples of air
* Invigilation of exposure of human beings to pollutants
* Gathering of samples on the exterior of buildings
* Computer designing of air flow inside the buildings
Common pollutants:
* Second hand smoke
Tobacco smoke which influences individuals other than the active smoker is known as second hand smoke. The enforcement of extensive laws in favor of smoke-free zones is the ultimate way to upgrade the quality of indoor air.
* Radon
Radon, a radioactive gas, is the most serious menace for indoor air. The methods for its mitigation include air tightening of compact slab floors, basement substructure, water drainage systems, or by increasing the conditioning of air.
Molds and other allergens:
These arise as a result of moisture, which may build up due to permeation of water inside the buildings as a result of leakages from plumbing, moisture in the ground that permeates any part of the building. In order to hamper the growth of molds, the humidity should be kept at low levels
* Carbon monoxide
The most common sources of this poisonous gas are tobacco smoke, imperfect central heating furnaces and automobile waste
Volatile organic compounds
Paints, pesticides, office furnishings, correction fluids etc are the examples of volatile organic compounds
* Ozone (produced by ultraviolet radiations from the sun, which strike the atmosphere of earth) chloroform released from chlorinated drinking water, benzene emanated from stored fuel, acrolein and formaldehyde emitted from overheated cooking oils are some other examples of typical pollutants
Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality:
a) Keep the floors of your home vibrant and lively by using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, to make sure that soot and filth do not get out in the exhaust
b) Mop the floor with microfiber mops and dust cloths, so that the dust left by vacuuming is chosen
c) Place a big floor mat at every door, so as to reduce the amount of dirt and other pollutants from passing into the home.
d) Keep the level of humidity around thirty to fifty percent so as to keep the allergens under command
e) Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals so by abstaining from smoking, the home could be turned into a no-smoking zone
f) Start using mild cleaners that do not include synthetic scents
g) Use sliced lemons and baking soda to get a clean perfume in the kitchen
h) Indoor plants such as ferns, aloe vera, and money plant absorb chemical pollutants released by artificial materials
i) Do not use aerosol sprays
Get yourself a good quality portable aircon (air-conditioner)
