Improving indoor air quality not only protects your lungs, but also your heart.

With such serious impacts, maintaining good indoor air quality is extremely important. Next, we will learn about common sources of indoor air pollution.

Now that we understand the health impacts of indoor air quality, we need to learn about the main sources of pollution. Recognizing the source of pollution is an important step to effectively controlling and improving indoor air quality.

A. Microorganisms and allergens

Microorganisms and allergens are among the most common sources of contaminants in living spaces. These include:

• Mold

• Bacteria

• Pollen

• Pet hair

• House dust mites

These agents can cause respiratory problems, especially for people with asthma or allergies.

B. Cleaning and personal care products

Many everyday products we use can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air:

C. Cooking and heating activities

Everyday activities in the home can also be sources of air pollution:

• Cooking: produces smoke, oil vapors and small particles

• Burning wood or coal: releases carbon monoxide and dust particles

• Using gas heaters: can produce nitrogen dioxide

D. Construction and interior materials

Finally, our own homes can be sources of pollution:

• Plywood and fiberboard: may emit formaldehyde

• New carpets and furniture: often release VOCs

• Old insulation: may contain asbestos

Understanding these sources of pollution will help us get a better overview of the state of indoor air. In the next section, we will take a closer look at common pollutants found in indoor air and their specific health impacts.

Indoor air can contain many different types of pollutants that directly affect our health. Let's take a look at the most common pollutants:

A. Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are two toxic gases that are commonly found in enclosed spaces.

• CO: Colorless, odorless, extremely dangerous

• NO2: Reddish brown gas, pungent odor

B. Bacteria, molds and spores

A humid environment is an ideal condition for the growth of harmful microorganisms:

• Bacteria: Causes respiratory infections

• Mold: Causes allergies, asthma

• Spores: Can cause lung disease

C. Formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Formaldehyde and VOCs are commonly found in building materials, furniture, and cleaning products:

• Formaldehyde: Causes eye, nose and throat irritation

• VOCs: Headache, nausea, liver and kidney damage

D. Fine dust (PM2.5 and PM10)

Fine dust is one of the biggest health hazards:

• PM2.5: Dust particles with a diameter smaller than 2.5 micrometers

• PM10: Dust particles with diameters from 2.5 to 10 micrometers

Understanding these pollutants is the first step to protecting the health of you and your family. Next, we'll explore effective ways to improve indoor air quality.

With an understanding of the impact of indoor air quality on health, let's learn effective measures to improve our living environment.

A. Maintain regular hygiene

Cleaning your home plays an important role in removing pollutants. Do the following regularly:

• Vacuum and mop the floor at least 2-3 times/week

• Wash bed sheets and curtains every 1-2 weeks

• Clean air conditioner and fan periodically every 1-2 months

B. Choosing environmentally friendly materials and products

Using products that are naturally derived and contain fewer toxic chemicals will help reduce indoor air pollution:

C. Humidity control

Maintain ideal humidity of 30-50% to prevent mold growth:

• Use a dehumidifier on rainy days

• Open the bathroom door after showering to let the steam out.

• Repair water leaks in the house immediately

D. Use air purifier effectively

Choose an air purifier that is suitable for the room area and has the ability to filter common pollutants such as fine dust, pollen, and bacteria.

E. Enhance natural ventilation

Open windows regularly to let fresh outside air circulate, especially in the early morning and late afternoon when the air is freshest.

With the above measures, you can significantly improve the air quality in your home. However, to achieve optimal efficiency, applying modern technology and solutions is also very important.

With the advancement of technology, we have many modern solutions to improve indoor air quality. Let’s explore some of the most advanced methods.

Indoor plants and green walls

Plants not only beautify your living space but also have the ability to naturally filter the air. Some plants that are effective in removing toxins include:

• Snake plant

• Pothos

• Bodhi tree

Green walls are a new trend, combining many types of plants to create a living wall, both aesthetic and improving the air.

Building materials that clean the air themselves

Scientists have developed building materials that can absorb and decompose pollutants. For example:

Air quality sensor

Modern sensors can monitor many air quality indicators such as:

• PM2.5

• CO2

• VOCs

• Humidity

These devices provide real-time data, helping you quickly detect and resolve problems.

Smart ventilation system

Smart ventilation systems automatically adjust based on data from sensors. They can:

1. Increase air circulation when high CO2 is detected

2. Activates filter when pollutant is detected

3. Adjust humidity to optimize indoor environment

With these technologies, maintaining clean indoor air becomes easier and more effective. Next, we will summarize the key points and give final advice to protect the health of you and your family by improving indoor air quality.