What is the difference between indoor air quality and outdoor air quality?

Actually, the air quality in your home can be worse than the air quality outside. According to the EPA, however, the levels of indoor air pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels, and in some cases these levels can exceed 100 times that of outdoor levels of the same pollutants.

Why is the composition of indoor air different from that of outdoor air?

Because there is not enough ventilation, concentrations of indoor air pollutants can build up from inside sources as they are not released into the greater outdoor expanse. The design of modern homes to reduce air leakage (with improved insulation) may also lead to lower air exchange between the indoors and outdoors.

Is there more oxygen outdoors than indoors?

While having indoor plants can help, absolutely nothing beats stepping outside for fresh air. Fresh air generally has higher levels of oxygen (not to mention lower levels of pollution) than indoor air.

Why is indoor air pollution more dangerous than outdoor air?

But what you face indoors may be even more damaging. Indoor air pollution, the degradation of indoor air quality by harmful chemicals and other materials, can be up to 10 times worse than outdoor air pollution. This is because contained areas enable potential pollutants to build up more than open spaces do.

Does staying indoors help air quality?

Staying indoors Although ambient air pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, and other gases infiltrate indoors from outdoors, concentrations are generally lower indoors compared to outdoors, and spending time indoors generally reduces exposure to ambient air pollutants.

Does outdoor air quality affect indoor air quality?

Outdoor climate and weather conditions combined with occupant behavior can also affect indoor air quality. Weather conditions influence whether building occupants keep windows open or closed and whether they operate air conditioners, humidifiers, or heaters, all of which can affect indoor air quality.

How does outdoor air quality affect indoor air quality?

Outdoor air pollution is one of several significant contributors to poor indoor air quality. However, the circulation of outdoor air is necessary to creating healthy indoor air quality. Recirculated air, if not properly filtered, allows contaminants to build up over time and become harmful to respiratory health.

What is inside the air?

Air is mostly gas. The air in Earth’s atmosphere is made up of approximately 78 percent nitrogen and 21 percent oxygen. Air also has small amounts of lots of other gases, too, such as carbon dioxide, neon, and hydrogen.

Which air is more polluted indoor or outdoor?

According to the Environment Protection Act, 1986, the levels of indoor air pollutants are often 2-5 times higher than outdoor levels. In some cases, these levels can exceed the outdoor levels of the same pollutants 100 times.

Is indoor air bad?

Effects on Human Health Health effects associated with indoor air pollutants include: Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer.

What effects indoor air quality?

Some common indoor air pollutants that threaten indoor air quality include: lead, dust mites, mold, radon, pests, carbon monoxide, pet dander, mold, and second hand smoke. Long-term effects are also possible, due to chronic exposure to indoor air pollutants.

What is the difference between an indoor and outdoor environment?

Though air tends to pass across environments, indoor spaces create environments that are different from the outdoors. Particularly over the past hundred years, indoor environments exchange less air with the outdoors, effectively sealing in the home to create personal climates.

Do you breathe more air indoors or outdoors?

Most people breathe in more indoor air than outdoor air; one researcher writes, “More that half of the body’s intake during a lifetime is air inhaled in the home” ( Sundell, 2004 ). Some of us may spend up to 90\% of their time indoors, especially children and older adults.

Do apartments have the same indoor air problems as houses?

Apartments can have the same indoor air problems as single-family homes because many of the pollution sources, such as the interior building materials, furnishings and household products, are similar.

Is indoor air pollution worse than outdoor air?

As for the scientific consensus, the EPA says that indoor air may be up to 5 times worse than outdoor air for reasons discussed in this article. Some of the pollutants that you encounter only briefly outside can become concentrated indoors and cause lasting health effects.