Singapore Air Pollution | Identify and Reduce Harmful Chemicals in Indoor Air Of Singapore Homes
IAQ, or indoor air quality, is an important factor affecting the indoor environment where people spend most of their time indoors
Knowing how to detect and reduce harmful chemicals in indoor air is especially important since humans spend most of their time indoors. Further, people in Singapore mostly have been working from home since the Covid-19 days.
Shujaat Khan and Margaux MacDonald, two economists from the IMF or the International Monetary Fund, have found that the ratio of Singaporean people’s preference for remote jobs is higher than the global numbers. In fact, 7 in 10 Singaporeans prefer to work remotely.
Now, everyone is not a digital nomad, and most of these remote workers will work from their homes only.
Further, despite meeting or fulfilling the Clean Air Policy 2020 (Ministry of Sustainability and Environment, Singapore), Singapore air pollution still remains a concern. The Ozone and PM10 levels in the air need better control even today and Singapore homes and indoor air quality is also affected by this.
Indoor pollution causes various health complications, from frequent flu, coughs, and sneezes to chronic diseases, including asthma and cancer. It is especially crucial if you are living with children, pets, and elderly adults.
This Singapore Journals guide will offer practical advice on how to get rid of toxic chemicals in your indoor environment so that you and your family members can live a healthy life.
Understanding Singapore Air Pollution and How to Reduce Harmful Chemicals in Indoor Air of Singapore Homes
A recent study by Singapore University has stated that man-made emissions and pollutants of emissions have caused close to 135 million premature deaths in Singapore in the span of 1980-2020.
So, this is the high time to talk about air pollution in Singapore. It is even more crucial to learn how to identify and reduce toxic elements from the indoor air in Singapore.
Indoor air pollution is defined as the presence of chemicals, particulate matter, and microbial pollutants in the indoor environment of structures.
These pollutants may come from inside the home, such as from cleaning agents, paints, or furnishing materials, and outside the home, from the surrounding air.
Some of the Indoor pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter.
These pollutants are unhealthy, and their effects on health start to manifest once one spends a lot of time exposed to them. The first thing that needs to be done to enhance the quality of indoor air is, therefore, to identify the origins and categories of pollutants.
Common Sources of Harmful Chemicals in Indoor Air | Singapore Air Pollution and the Indoor Impacts
Today, emissions from motor vehicles and industries are major contributors to Singapore’s air pollution. However, building materials and the use of tobacco products also increase the air pollution level.
The last two factors further massively impact the air quality of Singapore homes. Do you want to discuss the factors impacting indoor air quality in detail? Here’s a guide for you.
- Building Materials
Plywood, particleboard, and some adhesives emit formaldehyde gas and other VOCs in the indoor environment.
These materials are utilized for the production of furniture and flooring and in making cabinets.
- Household Cleaning Products
This element refers to aerosols and substances used to clean surfaces, sanitize, or deodorize, such as ammonia, bleach, and artificial fragrances that lead to bad IAQ.
- Paints and Varnishes
Most of the paints, varnishes, and other finishing products release VOCs during their application and drying process. Such a chemical may stay in the air for several weeks or even months.
- Cooking and Heating Appliances
Using gas stoves, fireplaces, and heating systems emits carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and fine particulate matter into the indoor air.
- Pesticides
Chemicals used in spraying or applying to destroy pests can evaporate into the air and deposit on surfaces that are in the home.
- Personal Care Products
These products are perfumes, deodorants, and hair sprays, most of which contain synthetic chemicals that form a part of indoor air pollution when launched into the air.
- Tobacco Smoke
Cigarette smoke is another indoor air pollution source comprising several hundred toxic chemicals.
How to Identify Harmful Chemicals in Indoor Air
To determine which chemicals are actually unhealthy in indoor air, one needs to observe them, sample them, and know where they might emanate from.
- Look For Common Symptoms
Common effects attributed to indoor air pollution include headaches, dizziness, eye irritation, coughs, and fatigue. If you find that these symptoms dissipate when you are away from the building, then it could be indoor air pollutants.
- Odor Detection
Pervasive chemical smells may suggest the presence of VOCs, formaldehyde, or other contaminants. Any specific odour, be it paint, cleaner, or synthetic fabric, should not be taken lightly.
- Indoor Air Quality Testing
You can hire an air quality testing specialist to quantify the levels of dangerous chemicals in your indoor environment. They employ unique apparatus to identify such extremes as volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and formalin.
- Inspect Building Materials And Products
Household products, furniture, and building materials are likely to contain dangerous chemicals; persons must read labels and material safety data sheets (MSDS) where available.
- Use Indoor Air Quality Monitors
Modern IAQ sensors continuously and in real-time monitor indoor air quality, with special attention to particulate matter, CO2, and VOCs.
Steps to Reduce Harmful Chemicals in Indoor Air | Singapore Air Pollution Remedies for Homes
When you know what is causing indoor air pollution, you can eliminate or lessen the amount of these chemicals in your air.
1. Improve Ventilation
Ventilation is crucial to eliminate pollutants indoors.” Use natural fresh air by opening windows and doors as often as possible.
Have exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom to remove toxins and humidity.
If natural ventilation is limited, install a mechanical ventilation system, that is, a Heat Recovery Ventilation system (HRV) or Energy Recovery Ventilation system (ERV), to guarantee constant availability of fresh air.
2. Invest in Air Purifiers
HEPA filters within air purifiers are designed to trap ultra-fine particles, dust, and some of the volatile organic compounds. For specific chemical filtration, check out for air purifiers with activated carbon traps meant to capture gases and other related smells.
Air purifiers may be beneficial for addressing specific indoor pollution sources in the form of a bedroom or residing area.
3. Choose Low-VOC And Formaldehyde-Free Products
When buying paints, adhesives, or furniture, look for low-VOC or formaldehyde-free labels. These products are thus meant to emit less of these dangerous substances in the environment.
Also, natural materials for furniture like solid wood, bamboo, or metal should be used instead of engineered wood because they contain formaldehyde.
This is especially the case for formaldehyde removal in Singapore and other areas where indoor air quality is becoming a concern.
4. Maintain A Clean Environment
Daily cleaning is advantageous in minimizing the accumulation of pollutants, including dust, pet dander, and mould spores.
Vacuum the carpet with a cleaner and a HEPA filter because this will capture fine particles effectively.
Do not use cleaning products containing synthetic fragrances and chemical additives.
Otherwise, go for biodegradable products or those that pose no environmental threat. Alternatively, use environmentally friendly products such as vinegar and baking soda to make your own cleaning solution.
5. Control Humidity Levels
Water in the air will cause mould and mildew to develop, and they, in turn, release spores and mycotoxins. Ventilate your house and use dehumidifiers to get the indoor environment’s relative humidity of 30 – 50%.
Secure water-tight areas inside and outside your home: water is a significant added factor that causes mould accumulation.
6. Limit the Use of Synthetic Fragrances
Air fresheners and scented candles release unhealthy chemical compounds into the indoor environment.
Pick natural remedies for smells, like getting an aromatherapy diffuser or just opening windows to remove the stench.
7. Test and Maintain HVAC systems to Stay Away From Singapore Air Pollution Indoors
HVAC systems are critical in indoor air quality and consist of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This needs regular check-ups, and the filter should be changed as advised.
Switching to more advanced filters may be helpful, as they can fit more particles and pollutants than standard ones.
8. Introduce Indoor Plants to Fight Singapore Air Pollution
Indoor plants such as spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants are some of the few examples of plants that eliminate indoor pollution and promote the release of oxygen.
However, ensure that you do not water your plant too often because the excess water on the soil causes mould to form.
Singapore Air Pollution and Keeping Your Indoor Air Clean
Creating healthy indoor environments means searching for hazardous chemicals and eliminating them.
If you minimize the origins of pollution and apply adequate measures, you can change and improve the conditions for people’s lives. Everything contributes towards better IAQ, from enhancing the regular fresh air supply to using air cleaners/ ionizers/ humidifiers and looking for professional help.
Control your indoor environment today and rest knowing that you are doing something for your own better health.
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