Indoor and Outdoor pollution
Outdoor “Criterion” Air Pollutants
1
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
2
Ozone (O3)
3
Particulates (PM10, PM2.5, PN0.1)
4
Air toxics (Carcinogens)
5
Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx = NO, NO2)
6
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
7
Lead (Pb)
8
Benzene, Benzo _-pyrene, Formaldehyde, Toluene, Xylene
Indoor Air Pollutants
1
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
2
Particulates (PM10, PM2.5, PN0.1)
3
Benzene, Formaldehyde, Toluene, Xylene
4
Bioaerosols
5
Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx = NO, NO2)
6
Air toxics
7
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Keep Sources of Pollution Out of Your Home
Declare your home a smoke free zone. Never let anyone smoke indoors. Ask smokers to go outside.
Test your home for radon, an invisible gas that causes lung cancer. Every home should be tested since radon may be found in any home. If your home has high radon, it can be fixed.
Keep humidity levels under 50 percent. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner, as needed. Clean equipment regularly so they don’t become a source of pollution themselves.
Fix all leaks and drips in the home. Standing water and high humidity encourage the growth of mould and other pollutants.
Put away food, cover trash and use baits to control pests, like cockroaches.
Avoid burning wood because it adds pollution indoors and out. Don’t use outdoor wood boilers, also called hydronic heaters, to heat your home’s water. They add unhealthy soot to the air in your neighbourhood.
Don’t use scented candles or fragrances to hide odours. Figure out what is causing the odour, then clean that up and ventilate to add fresh air.Use cleaning, household and hobby products that are less toxic. Don’t store hazardous chemicals in your home.
Ventilate To Clean Dirty Air Indoors
Use exhaust fans in bathrooms to remove moisture and gases from the house.
Fit your kitchen with an exhaust fan that moves the air to the outside. Use the fan or open a window when cooking to remove fumes and airborne particles.
Make sure gas appliances vent completely to the outside. Do not use vent less stoves.
Have gas or oil stoves, dryers or water heaters inspected by a qualified technician once a year. Install a carbon monoxide detector near your bedrooms.
If you paint or use hobby supplies or chemicals in your home, add extra ventilation. Open the windows and use a portable window fan to pull the air out of the room.
Never idle your car in an attached garage.
