Indoor Air Quality

a note on how IAQ impacts health, immunity and COVID

• The newCoronavirus has certainly had a worldwide impact.
• It has become more important now to ensure higher levels of hygiene at our homes and offices.
• Indoor air quality is directly correlated with respiratory health and immunity.
• It has been documented that bad indoor air quality can enhance Covid-19 risk, especially among elderly and those with pre-existing respiratory problems.

Tips to improve Indoor Air Quality

Keeping it clean –

• Avoid floor covering, if you have wall-to-wall carpets then vacuum once a week at least.
• False ceilings, panel boards, plastic-plasters, etc., are dust traps; made of artificial gypsum, the heavy metals and chemicals that leach into the air can be troublesome, especially upper respiratory system..
• Regular cleaning of bedding, sheets, drapes, cushions, is necessary; with pets at home, frequency may be increased.
• Most window blinds, and furnishings, made of base plastic/synthetic fibers, are not desirable since they harm the earth and all living beings; bamboo / wooden chik blinds or furnishings of natural fibers may be used instead. These too must be dusted / vacuumed / washed periodically.
• Clear the clutter. Items lying around gather dust and if left uncleaned will attract dust mites which affect the health. Dusting and wet cleaning once a while keeps mites away.

Aerosols –

• Aerosol products come in many varieties – spray, deodorant, paint, e-cigarette, and cleaning liquids are just a few that release nanoparticles into the air.
• Eliminating using such products can keep the air free of pollutants. Even if the air appears clear, tens of millions of air-suspended solid particles and liquid droplets get inhaled. Despite their minute size, they have major impact on our health and our climate.
• Paints have volatile organic compounds that release toxins and particles of heavy metals into air by evaporation. Choosing products with zero VOC is one part, keeping indoors naturally ventilated is ideal.

Ventilation –

• Improved ventilation, less mechanical more natural, is recommended to improve air quality.
• Efficient buildings are oriented in right direction, designed to allow light and fresh air, cutting off heat. Natural ventilation.
• Air-conditioners permit just 1/5^th of fresh air per hour necessary for good health. Increased usage causes fatigue, breathing troubles, dehydrated skin and sinusitis. Filters and drip pans need periodical cleaning and replace when worn-out, which also improves product’s efficiency and energy management.
• Air purifiers, and Dehumidifiers are effective, but consume energy and require frequent maintenance too.
• Smoke particles get trapped into furniture, furnishings and indoor fabrics. Micro carbon and sulphuric compounds pollute indoor air causing cancer.

Houseplants –

• Few Houseplants are considered beneficial in eradicating toxins and increasing oxygen indoors.
• Plants should not be over-watered because constant damp soil could promote the growth of microorganisms which affect allergic individuals.
• Sunning the plants periodically, keeps them healthy.

Pets –

• Dander and fur too could affect air quality. Pets need to be cleaned regularly and rid of excess fur. Take care of their health which could affect overall IAQ.

Plug leaks –

• Leaking appliances not only drip water, but also promote growth of mold and bacteria – which cause respiratory illnesses like asthma among others. Plug the leaks to promote life of the appliances and good health of self.

Natural ventilation improves air circulation and enhances indoor air quality by reducing indoor pollutants in all seasons. Graded vegetation (tall/medium/short trees, shrubs, creepers, climbers) outside the home is pleasing to the eye, invites a large amount of fauna; tall trees not only keep indoors cool but also mitigate pollution. Shaded windows too keep the summer heat away! (and that’s another topic, coming up)

Keeping doors and windows open as much as possible – is recommended to avoid immune inhibiting causes, that aids in fight against newCoronavirus as well – while washing hands regularly with soap and water, social distancing, and maintaining good personal hygiene are all added bonus to this end.

While this piece is being written, 9.5 lakh people are infected worldwide, increasing by the tens of thousands each day; 48k have succumbed, majority of them elderly and vulnerable with pre-existing health conditions (diabetes, heart, renal, asthma, high bp, etc). There is no known medicine yet, and a vaccine (though under human trials in many countries) is many months away. enhancing immunity or maintaining a good health is imperative to keep COVID-19 at bay. Eating whole-cooked vegetarian food does help, as does robust hygienic practices.

Prevention is best, immunity is the key

Sources: NASA, HBS, EPA, DTE, WHO, Worldometers, Mohfw