Is there more pollution in homes or on the street?

In Spain, we spend more time indoors than outdoors. It's no longer just about resting at home; leisure activities have moved indoors, whether at home or in commercial spaces, cinemas, and shows. Moreover, work is increasingly less done outdoors. However, when we concern ourselves with pollution, we usually only consider outdoor pollution. What about pollution in homes and enclosed spaces? Unfortunately, this aspect is often overlooked. Yet this is where we spend the majority of our time.

This primarily occurs because there is a significant legislative need regarding indoor air pollution, especially in residences, as well as a lack of information. While Spain protects indoor air compared to developing countries, it still has room for improvement compared to Europe. In numbers, how does this low indoor air quality affect us? Previous studies estimated that the levels of lead, cadmium, or arsenic can have a concentration 2 to 5 times higher in enclosed spaces. And it is we, the inhabitants, who primarily generate these air pollutants.

What are the main elements that generate more pollution in homes?

• Carpets and especially wall-to-wall carpeting are major air pollutants indoors. Particles embed in their surfaces and create a nest of bacteria, as well as unpleasant odors.
• Electronic devices and some plastics are also pollutants, especially those made from polyvinyl chloride, the famous PVC.
• The paint on walls is highly polluting, so if we are painting the house, we must remember that ventilating the rooms is key and that we should avoid spending too much time indoors.
• In kitchens, many pollutants are generated, such as carbon monoxide, which is also very prevalent in homes with old stoves. Gases in cooking areas must be removed with range hoods.
• Old lighting systems, such as fluorescent lights, are highly polluting.
• Of course, homes with smoking issues are prone to having very low indoor air quality.
• Solvents and many of the degreasers we have at home also create pollution in homes.
• Humidity is a great pollutant, and we must guard against it.
• Poor ventilation generates stale air, which contaminates the environment and can be very harmful to us.
• Mold and dust mites are also present indoors and are harmful to our bodies. Their presence is increasing in homes as housing is rehabilitated without proper insulation systems.
• Suspended particles usually come from outdoors and can infiltrate our lungs, becoming very harmful.

We can conclude that yes, the air indoors can have much more pollution than that which we breathe outdoors. That's why we need to protect ourselves from its damaging effects. And that's not even considering that some homes are exposed to radon gas, a difficult-to-detect poison that is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

How to reduce pollution in homes?

To reduce levels of pollution in homes, it is essential to "clean" the air, remove any of poor quality, and ventilate the rooms. To do this, one can rely on natural or mechanical systems.

If there are no mechanical ventilation systems in place, at least it should be attempted to keep the rooms breathing. For example, opening windows at important times of the day, such as at night, and avoiding the use of chemical products. If there is no ventilation system, it is better to do away with the use of carpets or rugs. And use a vacuum cleaner regularly.

To breathe quality air indoors and eliminate pollution in homes, the best solution is double flow ventilation. In this type of mechanical solution, the air that is brought into the house is exclusively filtered, so it arrives free of impurities and polluting particles. Not even dust or mosquitoes can enter the home.

Similarly, thanks to a double flow mechanical ventilation system, we can have quality air in our homes to concentrate better, rest more deeply, and, above all, avoid respiratory problems. Likewise, comfort is greater, and we can forget about air conditioning in summer and heating in winter.