With Delhi and NCR’s Air Quality Index (AQI) plummeting to “very poor” levels, the deteriorating air quality has become a serious health concern. Although many are staying indoors to avoid the hazardous outdoor air, indoor air can also pose significant risks.
Delhi NCR’s air quality index has reached alarming levels as winter approaches, with AQI readings surpassing 300, forcing residents to remain indoors due to the hazardous air quality. While outdoor pollution has reached “very poor” levels, many overlook the dangers of indoor air pollution, assuming their homes are a safe haven from the external environment.
Indoor pollution, however, is often ignored, as most people don’t invest in air purifiers or detectors for smoke and carbon monoxide. Everyday activities such as cooking, using pesticides, heating, smoking, and burning candles contribute significantly to indoor pollution, primarily through particulate matter (PM).
Is your indoor air making you sick amidst Delhi’s worsening air quality?
Particulate matter pollution is a growing concern, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be present inside homes from cleaning products, personal care items, and vehicle emissions. These pollutants can severely affect respiratory health, leading to issues like childhood asthma, COPD, heart disease, reduced oxygen saturation, and even cancer. Biomass fuel burning also increases PM 2.5 and VOC concentrations.
10 simple steps to reduce indoor air pollution and protect your family:
- Avoid exposure to second-hand (exhaled cigarette smoke) and third-hand smoke (residue on surfaces, clothes, etc.).
- Opt for solid wood furniture over composite woods, as the latter often contains formaldehyde, used as an adhesive.
- Use caution with cleaning products such as bleaches and glass cleaners, as they can cause respiratory problems. Always wear a mask when using them.
- Invest in real-time air quality monitors to track carbon monoxide, PM 2.5, and other chemicals in your home.
- Use air purifiers with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which are known to remove 99% of air pollutants.
- If you have pets, clean them regularly to prevent dust, mold, and other pollutants from entering your home via their fur.
- Improve ventilation by maintaining filtration systems and dusting regularly.
- Combat humidity and dampness, which can damage respiratory health, by fixing leaks, using fans, dehumidifiers, and opening windows for proper airflow.
- Avoid heating systems that emit carbon monoxide or use wood as fuel. Instead, opt for safer alternatives like solar or electric heating to reduce the risk of suffocation and respiratory problems.
- Incorporate air-purifying plants like snake plants, peace lilies, and aloe vera into your home decor to naturally filter indoor air.
