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Where does indoor air pollution come from?

Posted on 18 December 2019

We talked recently about the sources of air pollution lurking in our homes. There are up to 60 causes of indoor air pollution. Some, like household cleaning products and scented candles, are easy to spot. However there are many every day household items that may not be so obvious. So we decided to put together a list. Everyday items found in most modern homes that contribute to poor indoor air quality. We’ve also listed the types of pollutants they emit.

Beauty items
VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Bricks and cement
Silicone particles

Carpets and rugs
Items can trap air borne pollutants like dust and pet dander. New items can be treated with chemicals that emit VOC’s such as formaldehyde.
Cleaning products
VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Computers, tablets mobile phones

Ozone

Deodorants
VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Gas Furnace
Carbon Monoxide
Faulty plumbing
Fungi and bacteria.
Feather bedding

Dust

Foam bedding
VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Gas cooking stove
Nitrogen oxides, primarily nitrogen dioxide.
Inadequately cleaned AC systems
Fungi and bacteria.

Incense

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), particulate matter (PM). Gases like sulphur dioxide, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen.
Insect Repellant

Pyrethrin

Insulation material
VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Laundry products
VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Paint and varnish
VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Particle board furniture
VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Pathogens


Many pathogens such as bacterial droplets, viral droplets, and fungal spores remain suspended in the household air after an infection in the family. These droplets settle on household surfaces, further spreading infection.

Perfumes

VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Pets

Dander

Polished wood furniture
VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Potpourri

VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Printers, copiers and fax machines

Ozone

Room fresheners
VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Scented candles
VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)



Tobacco smoke, first, second and third hand.
Tobacco smoke contains 7,357 different chemical compounds such as benzene, CO, PAHs, heterocyclic amines, cyanide, formaldehyde, terpenoids, phenols, nicotine, and heavy metals. 

These compounds have been termed “obesogens”, as they lead to metabolic syndrome and obesity
Upholstery such as heavy drapes, cushions, throws, pillows and sofa covers.
Fire retardant materials contain Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PDBEs)
Vinyl flooring
VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Wood Burner
PM2.5
Wooden flooring
VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)

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