Have you ever thought about the air you breathe inside your home, office or school? You might think it's clean and safe when compared to the air outside, which can be polluted by vehicles, factories, or even wildfires. But here's the surprising truth: outdoor air pollution doesn't just stay outside. It can sneak indoors and become a problem for your health too. Here’s why you need to pay attention to outdoor air pollution and why it makes an impact on indoor air quality (IAQ).
How Does Outdoor Air Pollution Get Inside?
Think of your home, office or school building like a big porous sponge. It has lots of tiny holes and cracks that you might not even see. When the air outside is polluted, these tiny openings can let airborne pollution in. It's like leaving a window open during a dust storm – the dust will find its way inside!
Every time you open an exterior door you are inviting dirty air inside. Also, when you open doors and windows to let in fresh air you might accidentally be letting in polluted air too. Even your air conditioning or heating system can pull in outdoor air and circulate it indoors.
Why Is This a Problem?
We spend a lot of time indoors – at home, at school, and in other buildings. In fact, most people spend about 90% of their time inside. So, if the indoor air is polluted, we're breathing in that pollution for a long time. Even if the inside air is cleaner, the amount of time you spend inside means your lungs are still getting a significant dose of pollution.
Breathing in polluted air can cause all sorts of health problems. It can make it harder to breathe, trigger asthma attacks, and even lead to heart problems. Children, older people, and people with existing health conditions are especially vulnerable.
What Can We Do About It?
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to reduce indoor air pollution from outdoor sources:
- Keep it Clean: Regularly cleaning your home, business or school can help remove dust and other particles that can contribute to indoor air pollution.
- Mind the Gaps: Sealing up cracks and gaps around windows and doors can help prevent outdoor air pollution from sneaking in.
- Keep Doors & Windows Shut: It may be tempting to open a few windows to let in the cool breeze, but it would be a step backwards in IAQ if the outside air is polluted.
- Filter the Air: Using air purifiers that meet or exceed the HEPA standard can help remove tiny particles from the air. Some schools and buildings are even installing special filters in their ventilation systems.
- Be Aware: Pay attention to air quality alerts and take precautions when the air quality is bad. This might mean staying indoors, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, and wearing a mask if necessary.
- Monitor Your Air: An indoor air quality monitor is an inexpensive way to track your indoor air quality.
