The French spend between 20 and 22 hours a day in closed or semi-closed places and are exposed to various pollutants. But which ones are present in homes? How to improve indoor air quality? The pulmonologist and president of the Association Santé Respiratoire France, Dr Frédéric Le Guillou, enlightens us.
– Why Doctor: Unlike outdoor air pollution, the deterioration of indoor air quality, which has become a public health concern, is still neglected by citizens. However, is it true that they are more exposed to it ?
Dr Frederic Le Guillou: Indeed, the French spend 80% of their time in a building, whether in their home, office, shops, schools, nurseries or transport. The air we breathe there is not always of good quality. In fact, indoor air is often even more polluted than outdoor air.
– What pollutants have been identified in homes?
In general, ambient air is contaminated with chemical pollutants. Among them are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by furniture made of compressed wood or fabric sofas, for example, carbon monoxide released by heating, boilers, gas stoves or tobacco smoke, pesticides detected on indoor plants.
Then, it is also possible to identify so-called “physical” pollutants. These are fine and ultrafine particles coming from outside when you open the window, artificial mineral fibers, asbestos present in floor tiles or ceilings, and lead mainly from paints.
Finally, biological contaminants are also emitted in places where people live: moulds, dust mites, animal hair, viruses and bacteria such as legionella which can cause a respiratory infection.
– In recent months, several researchers and health professionals, including Isabella Annesi-Maesano, research director at Inserm and epidemiologist of allergic and respiratory diseases, have reported that candles degrade indoor air quality. Why should we be wary of it?
Candles, air fresheners, incense sticks, sprays and fragrance diffusers are often described as “purifying” products that improve air quality. But contrary to what one might think, home fragrances are far from cleaning the air. On the contrary, these products, in particular burning candles, emit volatile pollutants, such as toluene, formaldehyde or benzene. These substances are irritating to the lungs.
Other everyday products that represent a danger to our health: scented wipes, disinfectant or antibacterial cleaners, degreasing sprays, fabric softeners, deodorants… Everyone thinks that household products allow us to have a healthy and clean interior , but in reality, they contain chemicals that pollute the air and can cause health problems.
What are the health effects of indoor air pollution?
In the short term, exposure to chemical, biological and physical pollutants can cause eye irritation, itchy nose, itchy throat, itching or difficulty breathing. In the long term, indoor air pollution can aggravate or lead to the development of various diseases, such as asthma, eczema, respiratory allergies and cancers. In the event of pregnancy, certain products, such as fabric softeners, harm the healthy development of the fetus, because they contain endocrine disruptors. They also have a negative impact on fertility.
How to limit the presence of indoor pollutants?
To renew the air and reduce the concentration of pollutants present in homes, the rooms should be ventilated daily for at least 10 minutes a day. It is also necessary to ensure the proper maintenance and adjustment of the controlled mechanical ventilation systems (VMC). For this, it is advisable not to obstruct the air inlets, nor the grids or the extraction caps and to clean them regularly. It is also recommended to avoid smoking indoors, even if the windows are open.
As far as cleaning products are concerned, it is best to use black soap to wash the floor, to clean your apartment or house with a filter vacuum cleaner and damp cloths so as not to disperse the dust. Every year before the onset of winter, it is recommended to have the combustion appliances and installations checked by a professional.
