When we think of air pollution in a cityscape, we usually tend to think of the outdoors, places where traffic fumes, construction dust, and smog are usually seen.
However, according to Dr LM Darlong, the air inside a home can carry pollutants as well.
When it comes to indoor pollutants, household dust is the most common culprit. It can contain dust mites, pet dander, mould spores and fine particles that irritate sensitive airways. The kitchen deserves special attention. As Dr Darlong explained, “Frying and other high-temperature cooking can release fine particles into the air. Gas stoves and other combustion-based cooking methods may produce additional pollutants. If the kitchen has poor ventilation, these can linger long after the meal has been prepared. Using a chimney or exhaust fan while cooking can help move the polluted air outside. Some sources of indoor pollutants are less obvious and are objects of daily use. These include things like incense sticks, mosquito coils, scented candles, cigarette smoke, air fresheners and strongly fragranced cleaning products, all of which can release particles or volatile organic compounds. As Dr Darlong explained, improving indoor air quality does not necessarily mean buying expensive equipment. If an individual is coughing, wheezing, experiencing chest tightness, or breathlessness that repeatedly gets worse at home, it is best not to dismiss the pattern.
“Along with seeking medical advice, it may be worth looking closely at what you are breathing indoors,” stated Dr Darlong.
