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Most Canadians spend up to 90% of their time indoors, yet many homeowners don’t realize that indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air. According to Health Canada, common indoor pollutants can contribute to respiratory issues, allergies, and long-term health risks.
Understanding these hidden contaminants and how to effectively remove them is essential for a healthier home. Below, we explore five common indoor air pollutants and proven solutions to eliminate them.
1. Pesticides – Residues That Linger in Your Home
Pesticides are not limited to agricultural use; they are present in fruits, vegetables, household pest control sprays, and even lawn treatments. These chemicals can drift indoors and accumulate on surfaces and in the air, exposing homeowners to unnecessary risks.
Long-term exposure to pesticides has been linked to hormonal imbalances, respiratory irritation, nervous system damage, and certain cancers. Improving your indoor air quality will help mitigate exposure to these ubiquitous chemicals.
Health Risks:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Respiratory irritation
- Potential nervous system damage
- Links to certain cancer
How to reduce exposure:
- Buy organic produce and prepared foods when possible.
- Thoroughly rinse all produce before consumption.
- Use non-toxic pest control methods like diatomaceous earth and essential oils.
2. Formaldehyde – The Hidden Toxin in Household Products
Formaldehyde is commonly found in air fresheners, pressed wood furniture, carpets, and some paints. In carpets, formaldehyde is primarily present in the adhesives and backing materials used during manufacturing, rather than in the carpet fibers themselves. Many new furniture and flooring materials off-gas formaldehyde, releasing it into the air over time. This colourless gas has been known to cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and prolonged exposure has been linked to respiratory issues and certain cancers.
Homeowners can reduce their exposure by avoiding synthetic air fresheners and opting for essential oils or natural room sprays. Selecting furniture labelled as “formaldehyde-free” can also help minimize risk. Increasing ventilation by opening windows or using an air purifier with an activated carbon filter can further reduce indoor concentrations of this pollutant.
Health Risks:
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Asthma aggravation
- Long-term exposure linked to certain cancers
How to reduce exposure:
- Replace commercial air fresheners with essential oils or natural room sprays.
- Look for “formaldehyde-free” furniture and household products.
- Steam cleaning with high-temperature water can help break down and reduce formaldehyde levels in carpets. This is more effective than vacuuming, however when vacuuming, consider adding a HEPA filter.
- Increase home ventilation by opening windows or using an air purifier with activated carbon.
3. Lead – A Legacy Pollutant in Older Homes
While lead-based products were phased out decades ago, lead exposure remains a concern in homes built before 1978. Lead is often present in old paint, pipes, contaminated soil, and older vinyl mini-blinds manufactured before 1997. During renovations, disturbing lead-based paint can release harmful dust into the air, posing a risk to both children and adults.
Lead exposure is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and children, as it can cause cognitive impairment and developmental delays. In adults, it has been linked to high blood pressure, kidney damage, and neurological effects.
Health Risks:
- Cognitive impairment and developmental delays in children
- High blood pressure and kidney damage in adults
- Neurological effects, particularly in long-term exposure
How to reduce exposure:
- Test for lead paint before beginning home renovations.
- Replace older vinyl mini-blinds, especially those imported before 1997.
- Use a HEPA vacuum to clean dust in older homes.
- Install a Reverse Osmosis (RO) water filtration system to remove lead from drinking water.
4. Ammonia – A Harsh Chemical in Cleaning Products
Ammonia is a common ingredient in glass cleaners, floor cleaners, and industrial-strength disinfectants. While effective as a cleaning agent, ammonia can be harsh on the respiratory system, irritating the throat and lungs and worsening asthma symptoms. When combined with bleach, it creates toxic chloramine vapours that can be extremely hazardous.
Health Risks:
- Throat and lung irritation
- Worsened asthma symptoms
- Long-term exposure may contribute to chronic respiratory issues
How to reduce exposure:
- Switch to natural alternatives when possible, such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.
- Wear gloves and use proper ventilation if handling ammonia-based products.
5. Chlorine – A Highly Overlooked Household Toxin
Chlorine is present in household bleach, tap water, swimming pools, and some dishwashing detergents. Although chlorine is widely used as a disinfectant, prolonged exposure can cause eye, throat, and skin irritation, as well as respiratory problems. Steam from dishwashers and hot showers can release chlorine into the air, increasing inhalation risks.
Health Risks:
- Eye, throat, and skin irritation
- Respiratory problems from inhalation
- Potential long-term impact on lung health
How to reduce exposure:
- Use chlorine-free cleaning products.
- Install a carbon water filter for drinking and showering water.
- Avoid using excessive bleach for household cleaning.
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality & Remove Chemicals from Indoor Air
Addressing these pollutants requires a proactive approach. Here’s what you can do:
HEPA Filtration
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters remove airborne contaminants like dust, pollen, mould spores, and fine particles that contribute to poor air quality.
UVC Air Purification
Unlike HEPA filters, UVC air purifiers neutralize bacteria, mould, and airborne viruses by disrupting their DNA.
Ventilation & Air Exchange
Proper ventilation is critical for air quality. Installing a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while maintaining energy efficiency.
Duct Cleaning
Dust, mould, and pollutants accumulate in ductwork over time, reducing air quality and triggering allergies. Regular duct cleaning helps prevent recirculation of these contaminants.
Breathe Easier with ClimateCare
While small steps can make a difference, professional solutions offer the most effective and lasting improvements to indoor air quality.
ClimateCare provides a full range of indoor air quality solutions to ensure a cleaner, healthier home. These include, but are not limited to:
- Air Filtration and HEPA Filters to remove dust, allergens, and fine particulates.
- UVC Air Purification Systems and activated carbon filtration to neutralize bacteria and odours.
- Ventilation Systems (HRV/ERV) to improve air circulation and reduce indoor contaminants.
- Humidifiers to maintain optimal moisture levels and prevent dryness and mould growth.
- CO₂ Detectors for real-time indoor air quality tracking.
- Duct Cleaning to eliminate allergens, dust, and accumulated pollutants.
ClimateCare’s advanced indoor air quality systems eliminate up to 99.3% of airborne contaminants to help you live in a cleaner, healthier home. A professional consultation with a ClimateCare expert can help homeowners identify the best solutions for their needs. To learn more about improving indoor air quality, contact your local ClimateCare member today.
