The most common false myths about pollution

Indoor air is always cleaner than outdoor air.

In fact, indoor air can be up to 10 times more polluted than outdoor air.Some of the common factors include household chemicals, tobacco smoke, building materials and furniture, heating and cooling systems, dust and allergens.

Monitoring and managing indoor air quality is important for maintaining a healthy environment. Reducing the use of harmful chemicals, making sustainable choices, and paying attention to practices that may contribute to indoor pollution are some measures that can be taken to improve indoor air quality in our homes.

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If I do not sense pollutants, it means the air is pristine.

Many air pollutants are invisible and odorless, such as radon and VOCs. Their presence can only be detected with special instruments. These pollutants can cause respiratory problems and worsen conditions such as asthma.

A healthy and clean home environment reduces the risk of long-term illness. To prevent the invisible from endangering your health, it is necessary to equip yourself with an air quality meter to have total control over everything we breathe.

Opening windows always improves indoor air quality.

In some cases, opening windows can introduce additional pollutants from outside, such as pollen, known to worsen the condition of allergy sufferers; fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM10), tiny particles that can penetrate deeply into the lungs; and chemicals such as fumes and gases from nearby traffic or industries.

These pollutants, taking over inside our buildings, can aggregate with those already present indoors, forming a dangerous agglomerate that accentuates even more the risks related to inhaling poor air quality.

Air pollutants are only a problem for those with allergies or asthma.

Poor air quality can adversely affect everyone’s health, not just those with pre-existing conditions. It can contribute to respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and other long-term health conditions. Even people without allergies or asthma can develop coughs, throat irritation and more serious respiratory problems.

Prolonged exposure to pollutants can contribute to the development of chronic diseases, such as lung disease and cancer. All individuals are at risk, but the most fragile individuals include children as their lungs are still developing, the elderly as they have weaker immune systems, and pregnant women because air pollution can also affect the health of the fetus.

Only urban areas have air quality problems.

Rural areas can also have air quality problems due to pesticides, agricultural dust, and other industrial or natural activities.

The use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture can release harmful chemicals into the air; agricultural activities can raise dust that pollutes the air; and industries located in rural areas can emit pollutants into the air. In addition, all daily activities such as cooking, cleaning and using household products can contribute to air pollution. It is critically important to keep an eye on the air you breathe in these areas as well.