Certain health symptoms can act as indicators of indoor air quality issues, especially if they emerge after moving into a new home , undertaking renovations, bringing in new furniture or using pesticides indoors. Everyday activities can contribute significantly to indoor pollution . In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sachin Kumar, Senior Consultant - Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine in Bengaluru, advised, “Signs of poor ventilation are important to monitor.
Indicators that your home may lack adequate ventilation include condensation on windows or walls, unpleasant or stale odours, dirty heating and cooling systems and mold growth on items like books or shoes.” He highlighted 6 hidden signs of indoor air pollution to watch out for - 1. Cleaning solutions: Dr Sachin Kumar revealed, “Ammonia, bleach, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are among the potent chemicals frequently found in household cleaning solutions, such as disinfectants and surface cleaners.
In addition to irritating the skin, eyes, and nasal passages, these chemicals can result in respiratory issues. VOCs generated during cleaning can remain in the air for a long time after the operation is finished, according to research. Phthalates are also released by certain scented cleaning products and they have been linked to endocrine system disturbances.
” 2. Enhancing ventilation: The majority of forced-air heating and cooling systems in homes do not have built-in methods for bringing in fresh outdoo.
