Be aware of Indoor Air Pollutants

We all have emphasized on air pollution always. However, many of us are not aware of the several gases and organic compounds, which constantly act as pollutants in the air within the house. Constant exposure to such compounds even in minimum quantities can have an unfavorable impact on well-being and health.

Below is the list of few common indoor pollutants –

Formaldehyde

This is a naturally occurring organic compound found in many domestic products such as particle-board, plywood, building materials, paints, glues, cosmetics, and paper products, etc.

Exposure to formaldehyde causes irritation in eyes, throat, nose, and skin. It also leads to some cancers when exposed to high levels.

Benzene

The organic compound, Benzene is commonly released in the air from building materials, plywood, furniture, and particle-board. LPG cooking gas also contributes to the levels of Benzene in the air.

Apart from this, photocopying machines or printers in homes as well as in offices also release benzene. Furthermore, smoking inside a home can be a major contributor to benzene in the indoor air. Exposure to this organic pollutant leads to insomnia, dizziness, headaches, and nausea.

Carbon Mono Oxide

The major sources of Carbon mono oxide are gases are cigarette smoke and smoke from vehicles.

It could be one of the worst indoor air pollutants if your house is located near to a busy road with automobiles or you regularly smoke inside the house. Inhaling carbon monoxide regularly can lead to dizziness, fatigue, irregular breathing, headache, nausea, and coughing.

Toluene

Toluene is another organic compound, released in the air by chemical cleaners, building materials, adhesive products, polishes, and oils, etc.

Exposure to toluene causes eye, nasal and throat irritation. It also causes dizziness, headaches, and feelings of intoxication. It also has neurological impacts that affect short-term memory.

Xylene

This is an organic compound, which is volatile in nature. The compound is found in adhesives, paints, rust preventers, gasoline, thinners and permanent magic markers.

Exposure to Xylene leads to irritation in the epidermis, eyes, nasal system and throat, breathing disorders and dizziness.

Ammonia

Ammonia is an odorless gas released by construction material. It is also released by human beings while urinating.

Exposure to high levels of ammonia leads to nausea, headaches, burning sensation in eyes, nose, throat, and skin.

Trichloroethylene

Trichloroethylene is also a volatile organic compound released by lubricants, varnishes, adhesives, paint removers, typewriter correction fluid, and chemical cleaners.

Exposure to trichloroethylene impacts the immune and reproductive systems, kidneys, liver, and central nervous system. It may also affect fetal development during pregnancy.

These are the indoor air pollutants, we should be aware of. In order to remove these pollutants from the air, we can keep small indoor potted plants that purify the indoor air and bring significant positive influence on our health.