Question: Describe the Personal Responsibility to Reduce the Indoor

Air Contaminants.
An essential factor in determining the health and happiness of a population is indoor air quality
(IAQ). In contemporary countries, most of a person's time is spent indoors, such as at home, at
work, at school, and in a car. Respiratory disorders, allergies, and respiratory tract irritation are
just a few of the negative impacts that can result from exposure to the dangerous airborne
chemicals that are found in many indoor environments. Acute carbon monoxide poisoning can
occur when combustion appliances are improperly or insufficiently vented. Lung cancer risk is
increased by indoor radon exposure and passive smoking. Many chemicals used inside have
unpleasant sensory effects that lead to discomfort as well as other ailments. The personal
responsibilities to reduce the indoor air contaminants are given below:

1. Changing AC filter:

To maintain the ideal temperature in any house year-round, air conditioning systems are constantly
operating. However, as they cycle through all that air, some of those typical air contaminants are
being filtered out. Their air filters eventually become clogged and cease to function. That not only
compromises the quality of the air inside your home, but it also deteriorates the AC unit, which
may require expensive future repairs. So, make sure to clean your AC filters on a regular basis or
sign up for an air conditioning service plan, which typically includes a filter change, especially if
who suffer from allergies or reside in a city with high pollution levels.

2. Checking air ducts:

Every room in a house has a comfortable temperature thanks to the air ducts that distribute hot and
cold air throughout it. Ducts, however, can transfer toxins from one room to another if they are not
installed or maintained properly. The ducts may become clogged over time with dust, pet dander,
and even mold, which may worsen the air quality in your home. To ensure that the ducts are
flowing clean, fresh air, see an expert.

3. Using cooking vents:

The kitchen is a major source of indoor air pollution. Nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide are
two dangerous toxins that are released by gas burners. Even electric burners emit these similar
contaminants at reduced concentrations, along with other substances that are simple for the
bloodstream to absorb. In order to further purify the air while you're cooking, make sure to switch
on the kitchen vents or open a window.

4. Keeping rugs and carpets clean:

Rugs and carpets do more than just make the house more comfortable. By capturing dust and other
particles in their many fibers, they serve as their own air filters. Weekly cleaning will ensure that
the carpets and rugs continue to improve the air quality in the house simply by being there.

5. Controlling humidity in the home:

Mold and mildew thrive in humid, wet environments and can cause respiratory problems like
allergies and asthma. The humid summer months can be particularly oppressive depending on
where one live. By strategically placing a few dehumidifiers, one can lower the air's moisture
content and prevent the growth of bothersome mold. Numerous humidifier alternatives are
available to assist keep humidity levels constant and make one's house a comfortable place to live.

6. Buying indoor plants to freshen the air:

Nature's own air purifiers are plants. The indoor air quality in a home can be greatly enhanced
while also complementing the décor by investing in a few indoor plants. The greatest choices to
remove pollutants from the air are bigger palm trees and smaller plants like ferns and lilies (which
blossom indoors).

7. Don’t smoke in the house:

Smoking in a house degrades the air quality. One of the worst contaminants to the air within a
building is smoking. Numerous compounds found in cigarette smoke, which can also lead to heart
attacks, breathing difficulties, and cancer, are present. In addition to leaving a strong stink
throughout a house, secondhand smoke can be quite dangerous to youngsters. One should smoke
outside.

8.Testing and monitoring radon levels:

Colorless, odorless, and radioactive, radon is a gas. It originates from the uranium that decomposes
spontaneously in soil. Since radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the US, practically
any property is susceptible to having a radon problem, which can have serious consequences. To
be sure there are no dangerous substances or gases in the air, radon testing can be helpful.

9. Keeping floors and furniture clean:

Dust mites and pet dander are two common indoor allergens that can reside in carpets, furniture,
floors, bedding, and even sheets and blankets. These allergens can be removed from the air by
routinely washing linens, vacuuming carpet, and cleaning the floors, even if they are hardwood.

10. Using natural cleaning products:

Many common cleaners are bad for both skin and respiratory system. A home's carpets,
upholstered furniture, and draperies can absorb strong cleansers like ammonia, chlorine, aerosol
sprays, and others. Even moth balls, which were historically frequently used in closets, are
considered carcinogenic. The home can be kept clean without the additional risks associated with
harsh chemicals and toxins in the air you breathe by switching to natural cleaning agents like
baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice.

References:
[1] https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/117316/E69828.pdf

[2] https://www.petro.com/resource-center/improve-indoor-air-quality

[3] https://filterbuy.com/resources/tips-for-clean-indoor-air/