Sep 15 – Air pollution is a major challenge that affects us in a variety of ways. According to the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute’s 2023 Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) assessment, fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) is anticipated to shorten the average Indian’s life expectancy by 5.3 years. In Delhi, which is frequently referred to as the world’s most polluted city, this reduction might be as much as 11.9 years when compared to World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
Notably, the quality of indoor air can be up to five times poorer than that of outdoor air. With more time spent indoors, the quality of the air we breathe is becoming a growing concern, as it has the potential to create a variety of short- and long-term health difficulties. While talks about air pollution typically focus on outside areas, it is critical to recognise its significant impact on our indoor environments and take proactive efforts to protect our health. Muzaffar Izamuddin, an engineer at Dyson’s Environmental Care group, shares helpful tips for reducing indoor air pollution and improving indoor air quality in your house.
Start fresh
Your house is very certainly already contaminated with indoor air pollution sources and toxins. A comprehensive deep clean is the best approach to start fresh. Begin by vacuuming carpets and hard floors, mopping when possible, and dusting easily accessible surfaces.
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Upholstered surfaces such as beds, bedding, and sofas, as well as curtains and other fabric accents, are frequently disregarded but can be contaminated. Launder what you can and use a hoover and attachments on larger, more permanent surfaces.
Remember to clean beneath and behind furniture as well, since dust can gather in these areas. If you have time, take items off shelves and other ornamental objects and clean them as well.
Keep outdoor pollutants outdoors
Many common interior air contaminants can be traced back to external sources. Pollen and mould spores are examples of allergens that can spread through the air. The greatest method to get rid of them is to never let them in the first place.
Properly sealing doors and windows not only creates a barrier between these exterior pollutants and the interior of your home, but it can also assist regulate temperature and humidity. Home improvement businesses sell low-cost solutions for filling cracks and gaps in window and door frames.
Control indoor humidity and temperature
Mould and bacteria thrive in warm, dark, moist conditions. They will happily occupy your home if you provide one for them. While it is preferable to prepare for optimal humidity and temperature control during the design and construction phases of a new home, there are numerous ways to improve your home’s existing climate to reduce mould and bacteria growth.
As previously said, sealing doors and windows not only keeps many common contaminants out, but it can also help you maintain your ideal heat and humidity levels. While you will need some ventilation in damp areas such as bathrooms, the kitchen, and the basement, a properly sealed living space is preferable.
A breath of fresh air
With all of the methods outlined for controlling indoor air quality and eliminating indoor air pollution sources, the most obvious answer is to simply open your windows. Fresh air can help eliminate existing pollutants while also circulating clean air around your home. Using an exhaust fan to improve ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens can also be beneficial.
We delve into these tactics, connecting them with the urgency and air quality concerns we face, from the simple act of opening windows to welcome fresh breezes to the introduction of air-purifying indoor plants and the application of diligent cleaning routines. Every step we take, every action we commit to, helps to ensure that our indoor spaces remain sanctuaries of pure, revitalising air—a promise of improved health, longevity, and well-being.
Purify your air
Air purifier technology is improving and can significantly help reduce indoor air pollution. Dyson purifiers are designed to detect, thoroughly filter, and powerfully project:
- Sensing: Formaldehyde is a frequent indoor contaminant that is known for being difficult to detect and trap. Dyson tried to solve difficulties associated with traditional formaldehyde sensors, such as cross-sensitivity and a short detecting lifespan, by creating novel sensing technologies.
- Capturing: The entire unit, not just the filter, fulfils the HEPA H13 standard in Dyson’s latest purifiers. It collects 99.95% of allergens, germs, and dust as small as 0.1 microns. To produce a fully-sealed machine, Dyson engineers used a forensic approach, installing high-pressure seals at an additional 24 vital places to prevent unclean air from bypassing the filters and transporting contaminants back into the room.
- Projecting: The machine can project cleaned air to every area of the room thanks to Dyson Air MultiplierTM Technology. The machine may be completely managed and triggered by voice control in auto mode, allowing it to maintain a preferred room temperature and air quality standards.
- Acoustically designed to be 20% quieter: Dyson engineers worked hard to lower the sound output of the Dyson Purifier CoolTM Formaldehyde air purifier while retaining purifying efficacy. The machine was re-engineered to be 20% quieter through iterative design and testing.
