There is a wrong perception among many of us that we are affected by air pollution only when we are outside our homes.. Hard bitter truth is that indoor air pollution also exists!!!
Indoor air pollution is very real and more dangerous, as it is far more concentrated with pollutants than outdoor air..But we can always try to reduce indoor pollution by ourselves unlike the outdoor one where we have to depend on government and other agencies for cleanup..
Indoor pollutants:
Some of the indoor pollutants which we usually overlook in our house are:
- Formaldehyde: This is an invisible dangerous indoor pollutant with a pungent smell and it causes Cancer..It is an organic compound that exists as a gas at room temperature..Formaldehyde sources in indoor environments include furniture and wooden products containing formaldehyde-based resins such as plywood and also glues, adhesives,etc.
- Dust, smoke and Volatile Organic Compounds released both by natural and man-made materials.
- Cooking habits: Few people in our country still use wood or gobar as fuel to cook food in their homes and it pollutes the air..Exposure to cooking fumes causes respiratory diseases and lung infections..
- Inadequate ventilation: Some of the houses don’t have adequate windows for ventilation and it results in stale indoor air!!!
- Some Paints,Varnishes also causes indoor pollution..It is our responsibility that we have to select good quality paint to avoid the same!!!
- Pet dander and hair and dust from shoes, carpet, etc also causes pollution..
- Household products that we use like Pesticides, Synthetic fragrances and beauty and spray on products like deodorants, perfumes, etc also act as indoor pollutants!!!
Six steps to reduce indoor air pollution and ensure clean air:
1.Use Best Quality Paint:
I strongly feel that to breathe Clean air at my home, I have to start with Paint like Royale Atmos by Asian Paints.. This paint not only looks good but also helps in purifying air and improves air quality inside house..
I am attracted towards the idea of using Royale Atmos because:
- It’s Activated Carbon technology reduces harmful pollutant Formaldehyde and makes air cleaner..It is tested and proved by third party lab that Royale Atmos can reduce formaldehyde levels by 80-85% in 24 hours under standard test conditions.. Further it will continue to reduce formaldehyde for up to 2 years post application!!!
- It makes air fresher by absorbing malodours and foul smell..
- It gives smooth matt finish to walls and has a fragrance, instead of normal chemical smell..
- It comes with Green Assure Seal which means that it is VOC safer and environmentally friendlier.
- It is equipped with Teflon which imparts excellent stain and scrub resistance.
(Please visit https://www.asianpaints.com/atmos for more details)
2.Grow Indoor Plants:
We can have a healthier “breathing area” in our house by growing some house plants like Aloe Vera, Areca palm, Snake Plant,bamboo palm,English Ivy, etc..
These plants helps to reduce the effect of pollutants and manufactures clean air inside our house..They are natural air purifiers!!!
3. Adequate Ventilation:
Ventilation is very important to reduce indoor pollution..We have to open windows early in morning to let in fresh air and it is good for our health..Please open windows in kitchen while cooking or use chimneys/exhaust fans!!
4. Regular Cleaning:
This is very important to minimise indoor pollution..Carpets, beds, furnitures etc have to be cleaned regularly so that dust is not accumulated..
Air conditioning ducts have to be cleaned periodically..
5.Avoid smoking indoors:
Smoking is a big health hazard and it can also pollute air inside our house… So it’s best to avoid smoking indoors!!!
6.Avoid moisture:
We have to prevent moisture as dust and mites strive on moisture…High moisture also leads to mold growth!! So, we have to make sure that there are no leaky plumbing issues in our houses..
These are the tips that I believe will help in reducing Indoor pollution and help us to breathe clean and fresh air!!!
Sadhuvi 