Indoor Air Pollution and COVID-19

What’s happening?

Many people around the world are currently being forced to stay at home to ease the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

The only current permitted outdoor ventures consists of a trip to the local supermarket or pharmacy for essential supplies, or for a brief foray of solitary exercise.

In New Zealand on April 27, we will be entering alert level stage 3 of the alert system put in place by the government. However, our movement is still to be restricted and we are strongly advised to remain within our household bubbles.

Air quality in our homes

Although staying indoors is paramount in reducing the rate of spread of Covid-19, it also means we are spending more time in a polluted environment.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, concentrations of some pollutants in an average home are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.

Indoor concentrations of pollutants have increased in recent decades due to varying factors. These include

• Insufficient fresh air exchange caused as a result of energy-efficient building structures,
• Increase in use of synthetic building materials,
• Increase use in furnishing, personal care products, pesticides and chemical household cleaners

As we head into the winter months the air also becomes more damp and we spend more time indoors anyway, generating more moisture. This encourages mould growth in our homes, some of which can be toxic or at the very least irritate our respiratory systems.

However, all is not lost. Here are some tips to optimise the air quality of your home:

Air your home several times a day: morning, afternoon, evening

• After cooking or cleaning or before going to bed, we should be changing the air in our homes by opening windows for several minutes to ensure effective ventilation
• If you have to dry clothes indoors, opening windows also allows fresh air exchange to help reduce moisture build up and avoid mould growth

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) build up

• When we breath out we exhale carbon dioxide
• If we don’t air our homes, carbon dioxide levels build up and may cause discomfort
• Indoor carbon dioxide levels are a good indication of air quality. Other toxins may be present inside as well.
• The graph below shows someone sleeping with their window closed vs window open
• Note that people can begin to feel discomfort at concentrations of approximately 1000ppm

Do not use or minimise use of industrial cleaning products

• Cleaning products can contain numerous toxic chemcial agents
• Although the surfaces might be clean, the air can become polluted
• Don’t mix industrial cleaning product such as disinfectants. Mixing chemicals can form toxic substances which may cause serious harm if exposed to them

Try using natural alternatives

• Try using ingredients from the pantry
• Sodium bicarbonate and white vinegar are natural altneratives and work a treat at brightening up those surfaces at home

Smoking

• We all know smoking is bad for us so of course the best thing is to simply not smoke at all
• Tobacco smoke leaves lasting traces on walls, fabrics, floors and ceilings
• Inhaling air in an enclosed space polluted by tobacco smoke increases the risk of heart disease and respiratory disorders
• If you are a smoker try to keep it outside and prevent the smoke travelling indoors