Indoor Air Pollution
Air pollution isn't only an outdoor problem. The air indoors, at home and in your workplace can also be polluted. Levels of some types of air pollution can be higher indoors than outdoors. And remember, on average, Canadians spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, so the quality of indoor air is very important.
You don't stop breathing when you're inside
Clean Air Online (CAOL) information on indoor air quality has been developed in collaboration with Health Canada. For more information please visit Health Canada's website
At work
Indoor air quality is an important workplace health issue. The number of complaints related to indoor air quality has increased with the trend toward more tightly sealed buildings and energy conservation measures that recirculate building air and reduce the amount of outside air supply.
The growing use of synthetic materials, modern office equipment (photocopiers, laser printers, and computers), cleaning products, and outdoor air pollution also contribute to indoor air contamination.
At home
The most harmful and widespread contaminant of indoor air is tobacco smoke. Mould and dampness, improperly maintained combustion appliances, off-gassing from domestic chemicals and dust mites and their byproducts in the indoor environment can also cause a number of health problems.
Mould growing in your home can release mould spores, toxins from mould and moldy odours. Harmful chemicals can be released from synthetic fabrics, furnishings and household products. Other sources of indoor air pollutants are burning candles, or improperly maintained or vented combustion devices, such as gas or propane cooking stoves, furnaces, water heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces.
Your health
The physical symptoms commonly attributed to indoor air quality problems include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, sinus congestion, cough, sneezing, skin irritation, dizziness, nausea, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Some individuals may be particularly susceptible to the effects of indoor air contaminants, for instance:
- people with existing allergies or asthma
- people with respiratory disease
- people whose immune systems are suppressed due to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, disease, or other causes
- contact lens wearers
Asthma sufferers are more susceptible to some pollutants that may trigger an allergic reaction. Children may also be very susceptible to the effects of indoor air contaminants. Studies show that children exposed to environmental tobacco smoke, for example, are at a higher risk of developing respiratory illness.
What you can do to protect your health in the indoor environment
1) Do not smoke inside the home.
2) Ensure a sufficient air exchange rate (this will help to control humidity and to evacuate some of the gaseous chemicals, as there will always be a certain amount of chemicals emitted in indoor air).
3) Avoid excessive humidity (not more than 50% RH (relative humidity) in Summer and 30% in Winter)
4) Repair and diligently dry out any water damage from leaks, infiltration, or flood and clean any mould
5) Have any combustion device (furnace, water heater, gas stove, fireplace) inspected by a specialist at least once a year, and properly maintained.
6) Use any chemical (varnish, paint, cleaning product) according to the manufacturer's instructions, e.g., most of them should be used only in well-ventilated areas.
For more information
- Health Canada ’s website on indoor air quality
- Health Canada's website on dampness, mould and indoor air
