Indoor Air Pollution: An Invisible but Major Problem

We spend an average of 80% of our time indoors, whether at home, at work or in other enclosed spaces. However, indoor air quality is often much more of a concern than outdoor air quality, with direct consequences for our health. According to the Observatoire de la Qualité de l'Air Intérieur (OQAI) , indoor air can be 5 to 9 times more polluted than outdoor air, due to an accumulation of pollutants from various sources ( OQAI ).

The Main Factors of Indoor Pollution

Indoor air pollution results from a complex mixture of chemical, biological and physical pollutants. Some of the most common include:

• Humidity and mold : They promote the proliferation of bacteria, mites and spores, aggravating respiratory diseases such as asthma ( ANSES ).
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) : Emitted by paints, glues, chipboard furniture and household products, these substances can cause irritation and, in the long term, toxic effects ( ADEME ).
• Carbon monoxide (CO) : Coming from poorly maintained heating appliances, this odorless gas is responsible for serious poisonings each year ( Public Health France ).
• Fine particles : From cooking, candles, incense or tobacco, they penetrate deep into the respiratory tract ( INSERM ).

An Underestimated Impact on Health

The effects of indoor pollution can be immediate (headaches, irritations, fatigue) or chronic (asthma, allergies, cardiovascular disorders). A study by the National Agency for Food, Agriculture and Rural Development (ANSES) estimates that this pollution is responsible for 20,000 premature deaths per year in France and many respiratory diseases ( ANSES ).

Despite this, a survey conducted by Murprotec and the RespiLab laboratory indicates that 71% of French people are unaware that indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air . However, good indoor air quality should be a public health priority, just like outdoor pollution ( Murprotec/RespiLab ).

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality?

Simple actions can help limit indoor pollution and improve daily well-being:

• Ventilate daily : 10 minutes of ventilation morning and evening are enough to renew the air and evacuate accumulated pollutants.
• Maintain ventilation systems : VMC and other devices must be cleaned regularly to ensure good air renewal ( Public Health France ).
• Favor low-emission products : Choose paints, furniture and household products certified "Ecolabel" or "A+". ( ADEME )
• Limit sources of pollution : Reduce the use of scented candles, incense and avoid smoking indoors.

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A Public Health Issue Not to Be Neglected

Although indoor air pollution is invisible, its effects are very real. It should be treated as a public health issue rather than a simple comfort problem. By adopting good practices and learning about the sources of pollution, it is possible to limit the risks and improve the quality of the indoor air in our living spaces.

📌 To go further:

• Indoor Air Quality Observatory (OQAI)
• Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME)
• National Agency for Food, Agriculture and Rural Development (ANSES)
• Public Health France

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