Do you think you are safe indoors? Common household items that make bad AQI worse

Date:

[ad_1]

October 28, 2024 07:00 PM IST

Do you want to reduce indoor air pollution and live a healthy life? Check out the list of household items that are known to worsen air quality

Currently, poor air quality in Indian cities is a matter of concern as it can increase many types of health problems and due to poor air quality a person may have respiratory problems, eye infections, allergies or skin problems. Moreover, just like the outside environment, one should also be cautious about indoor pollution because unfortunately, indoor pollution is increasing all over India.

Do you think you are safe indoors? Common household items that make bad AQI worse (Photo by HealthWorks Collective)
Do you think you are safe indoors? Common household items that make bad AQI worse (Photo by HealthWorks Collective)

Why is it important to pay attention to indoor air pollution?

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sangita Chekar, Consultant Chest Physician at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mira Road, Mumbai, shared, “Indoor air pollution is often an invisible threat that can have a significant impact on one’s health and well-being . Many people spend much of their time indoors, making it important to recognize that the air we breathe may be more contaminated than outdoor air.

Research shows that indoor air pollution, which originates from kitchen smoke and household dust, can be two to three times more deadly than outdoor pollution (symbolic image)
Research shows that indoor air pollution, which originates from kitchen smoke and household dust, can be two to three times more deadly than outdoor pollution (symbolic image)

“Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM) and microbial contaminants can be present in homes and workplaces, causing a host of health problems ranging from respiratory disorders to cognitive decline,” he said. By investing in ventilation systems or using houseplants known to purify the air, it is possible to create an environment conducive to prosperity rather than mere survival.

List of household items that can make bad AQI worse

According to Dr. Sangita Checker, the following common household items can make poor AQI worse –

  • cleaning products: Common household items can increase the poor air quality index (AQI) to a great extent. For example, people use cleaning products to keep their homes dirt-free and dust-free. However, you might be shocked to learn that these products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that release harmful chemicals into the air long after the initial scrub. Items like air fresheners and scented candles may mask unpleasant odors, but they also contribute to indoor pollution, affecting respiratory health and overall well-being.
Researchers have found 45 potentially toxic chemicals that are used in many consumer and household products such as vinyl flooring, personal care and cleaning products, construction materials and household items. (Shutterstock)
Researchers have found 45 potentially toxic chemicals that are used in many consumer and household products such as vinyl flooring, personal care and cleaning products, construction materials and household items. (Shutterstock)
  • Carpet and Furniture May harbor toxic substances. Materials treated with flame retardants or formaldehyde may degrade indoor air quality.
  • using a gas stove Without proper ventilation nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants can escape.
  • incense sticks: Do you know? Burning incense sticks is also linked to indoor air pollution.

With a little awareness and proactive adjustments, you can turn your home into a healthy sanctuary rather than a hidden source of pollution. Therefore, one has to regulate the use of these products and curb indoor air pollution when the AQI is worst outside.

Catch every big hit,…

See more

The one-stop destination for every big hit, catch every wicket, live scores, match stats, quizzes, polls and much more with Cric-It. Explore now!

Get your daily dose of fashion, Taylor Swift, health, festivals, travel, relationships, recipes and all other latest lifestyle news on Hindustan Times website and apps.

[ad_2]

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Share post:

[tds_leads title_text="Subscribe" input_placeholder="Email address" btn_horiz_align="content-horiz-center" pp_checkbox="yes" pp_msg="SSd2ZSUyMHJlYWQlMjBhbmQlMjBhY2NlcHQlMjB0aGUlMjAlM0NhJTIwaHJlZiUzRCUyMiUyMyUyMiUzRVByaXZhY3klMjBQb2xpY3klM0MlMkZhJTNFLg==" f_title_font_family="653" f_title_font_size="eyJhbGwiOiIyNCIsInBvcnRyYWl0IjoiMjAiLCJsYW5kc2NhcGUiOiIyMiJ9" f_title_font_line_height="1" f_title_font_weight="700" f_title_font_spacing="-1" msg_composer="success" display="column" gap="10" input_padd="eyJhbGwiOiIxNXB4IDEwcHgiLCJsYW5kc2NhcGUiOiIxMnB4IDhweCIsInBvcnRyYWl0IjoiMTBweCA2cHgifQ==" input_border="1" btn_text="I want in" btn_tdicon="tdc-font-tdmp tdc-font-tdmp-arrow-right" btn_icon_size="eyJhbGwiOiIxOSIsImxhbmRzY2FwZSI6IjE3IiwicG9ydHJhaXQiOiIxNSJ9" btn_icon_space="eyJhbGwiOiI1IiwicG9ydHJhaXQiOiIzIn0=" btn_radius="3" input_radius="3" f_msg_font_family="653" f_msg_font_size="eyJhbGwiOiIxMyIsInBvcnRyYWl0IjoiMTIifQ==" f_msg_font_weight="600" f_msg_font_line_height="1.4" f_input_font_family="653" f_input_font_size="eyJhbGwiOiIxNCIsImxhbmRzY2FwZSI6IjEzIiwicG9ydHJhaXQiOiIxMiJ9" f_input_font_line_height="1.2" f_btn_font_family="653" f_input_font_weight="500" f_btn_font_size="eyJhbGwiOiIxMyIsImxhbmRzY2FwZSI6IjEyIiwicG9ydHJhaXQiOiIxMSJ9" f_btn_font_line_height="1.2" f_btn_font_weight="700" f_pp_font_family="653" f_pp_font_size="eyJhbGwiOiIxMyIsImxhbmRzY2FwZSI6IjEyIiwicG9ydHJhaXQiOiIxMSJ9" f_pp_font_line_height="1.2" pp_check_color="#000000" pp_check_color_a="#ec3535" pp_check_color_a_h="#c11f1f" f_btn_font_transform="uppercase" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjQwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9LCJsYW5kc2NhcGUiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjM1IiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9LCJsYW5kc2NhcGVfbWF4X3dpZHRoIjoxMTQwLCJsYW5kc2NhcGVfbWluX3dpZHRoIjoxMDE5LCJwb3J0cmFpdCI6eyJtYXJnaW4tYm90dG9tIjoiMzAiLCJkaXNwbGF5IjoiIn0sInBvcnRyYWl0X21heF93aWR0aCI6MTAxOCwicG9ydHJhaXRfbWluX3dpZHRoIjo3Njh9" msg_succ_radius="2" btn_bg="#ec3535" btn_bg_h="#c11f1f" title_space="eyJwb3J0cmFpdCI6IjEyIiwibGFuZHNjYXBlIjoiMTQiLCJhbGwiOiIxOCJ9" msg_space="eyJsYW5kc2NhcGUiOiIwIDAgMTJweCJ9" btn_padd="eyJsYW5kc2NhcGUiOiIxMiIsInBvcnRyYWl0IjoiMTBweCJ9" msg_padd="eyJwb3J0cmFpdCI6IjZweCAxMHB4In0="]

Popular

More like this
Related

Discover more from AyraNews24x7

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading