Beyond Smog: Why Your Home's Air Matters

Indoor and outdoor air quality are intrinsically linked, and indoor air demands equal attention as a public health concern, according to Professor Pawel Wargocki.

He explained that air inside buildings is not entirely separate from outdoor air, making it impossible to avoid outdoor pollutants completely. Therefore, indoor air quality is as vital as its outdoor counterpart, impacting overall health.

Wargocki’s research indicates that ventilation plays a key role in health recovery by dispersing pollutants. Clean air, facilitated by ventilation, can reduce stress and boost productivity. Conversely, prolonged exposure to indoor pollutants, though not immediately felt, can lead to long-term health issues like dementia or lung diseases.

He advised that minimum ventilation standards are essential, recommending retrofitting homes and workplaces with efficient fans and filters. Air conditioners, while cooling, do not purify air unless retrofitted with cleaning solutions. He also noted that affordable air purifiers are available, similar to varying vehicle models.

Unlike particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon dioxide (CO2) is a gas and a marker for assessing ventilation levels in occupied spaces. While masks can have physiological effects, they are generally temporary for healthy individuals. Addressing severe issues like slum living requires lifestyle upgrades alongside environmental improvements.