The air that bathes us...
Indoor air quality

Infectious agents and allergens 

Bacteria, viruses and toxins can proliferate in certain poorly maintained equipment such as ventilation or air conditioning systems. Allergens come from pets, plants, moulds, insects and dust mites. 

Humidity, an indirect source of biological pollution 

There is no shortage humidity sources: showers, cooking, washing, drying (up to 1 kg of water vapour for a washing machine), toilets, human metabolism (an adult produces about 55g of water vapour per hour), water damage, etc. 

This humidity promotes the growth of mould and dust mites as well as the degradation of particle board glues, which releases formaldehyde. 

Tips: Thyme essential oil and garlic extract, natural biocides, have been shown to be effective against fungal and bacterial growth on wood. 

Carbon monoxide (CO) 

A colourless, odourless gas that is deadly in high concentrations. It is emitted by combustion heating or hot water production appliances when they are old or badly regulated.  

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) 

VOCs include a multitude of substances of biogenic origin (of natural origin resulting from emissions from plants or certain fermentations) or anthropogenic origin, i.e. from refining, evaporation of organic solvents, unburned products, etc. 

Their volatility gives them the ability to spread more or less far from their place of emission. Most of them are carcinogenic. 

They can be released by many materials: 

- Insulation materials, such as glass or rock wool, insulating foams, etc. 
- Building materials 
- Floor coverings, such as vinyl floors, laminate floors, carpets (toluene) 
- Petrochemical paints, glues, varnishes, lacquers, resins, waxes 
- Treated (insecticides, fungicides, etc.) or composite wood furniture 
- Scented candles, incense, air fresheners 
- Cleaning products, aerosols 
- Solvents 
- Felt pens, etc. 

Lead 

Present in old paint causes anaemia and irreversible damage to the central nervous system 

Particles and fibres 

Dust contains particles, the smallest of which can be inhaled. It also contains fumes, soot, pollens, spores and allergens. 

Fibres are particles emitted by certain materials (cellulose, hemp, sisal, asbestos, glass wool, rock, etc.). Asbestos is infamous for being highly carcinogenic. 

Certain activities such as DIY, cooking or cleaning emit large quantities of particles and fibres that remain suspended in the air. 

Radioactive gases 

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas contained in soil and rock all over the world, in varying concentrations depending on the nature of the soil (mostly granitic or volcanic) and the degree of confinement of the site. It can accumulate in rooms with very low air renewal (cellars, etc.) 

It is not perceptible (painless, colourless) and yet dangerous. 

Tobacco 

Tobacco smoke contains more than 3000 dangerous substances, including cyanide. It causes irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, can cause asthma attacks, cancer through active or passive smoking, etc. Hence the importance of ventilating if someone is smoking in the room. Or better still, smoke outside. 

Outdoor air: another type of pollution 

Outdoor air also contains pollutants, but of a different nature from those in indoor air. Although outdoor air is often of better quality, beware of pollution peaks. However, airing a closed space is essential to circulate the air and remove indoor pollutants. 

The effects on our health can be immediate or long-term (chronic pathologies or serious illnesses). They depend on the nature of the pollutant and the quantities inhaled, the age of the subject, his vulnerability and his habits. 

Europeans lose an average of 9 months of life expectancy due to polluted air in their homes, and up to 13 months in the most polluted countries according to the WHO. 

When the effects are immediate, they can result in discomfort: irritation (of the eyes, nose, throat, etc.), unpleasant odours, nausea, coughing, asthma attacks, intoxication, suffocation, headaches, etc. It should be noted that dust, because of its irritating power, amplifies the harmfulness of other pollutants. 

Long-term effects are less obvious: they appear long after exposure and it is difficult to determine their causes. Low-level but prolonged exposure to pollutants can result in serious illnesses: cancers, respiratory diseases (asthma or various disorders), aggravation of cardiovascular diseases, etc.

Being aware of this invisible pollution allows you to be vigilant and to change your habits little by little. 

• To limit indoor pollution, think beforehand about using materials that are good for you and for the planet when building or renovating your home. For example, replace rock wool with wood wool, which is not only healthier but also more efficient. 
• Swap conventional paint for an ecological paint with low VOC content or for a lime or earth type coating that will give your interior some character. In addition, ecological paints made from natural lime protects against magnetic fields and provide thermal comfort.  Prefer second-hand furniture. Indeed, all materials release more pollutants at the beginning of their life.   
• Air regularly, at least 20 minutes a day, even if the outside temperature is not encouraging! Choose a ventilation system (VMC) adapted to your home with the help of a professional. It must be cleaned regularly to avoid clogging and to remain efficient. Also avoid caulking! 
• Check and maintain your heating system regularly. 
• Be careful! A home cleaned with toxic products is not necessarily a healthy home! 

When buying products, give preference to those that contain the least amount of pollutants possible (VOC label: scale from A+ (very low emissions) to C (high emissions)). 

And why not try to limit the sources of emissions by taking care not to multiply the number of cleaning products, but also scented candles, incense and air fresheners which, behind their good smells, hide numerous toxic compounds (VOCs, PAHs, lead, benzene, phthalates, CO...). 

Some tips: 

- With white vinegar and bicarbonate you can disinfect your bathroom and get rid of traces of limescale and keep your pipes healthy 
- A few drops of white vinegar will do your floor a world of good and will allow your tribe to enjoy a good night's sleep.  
- Black soap diluted in water in a spray bottle will allow you to take care of your induction cooker. 
- Think also of steam to disinfect everything as well as to clean sofa and bedding. 

This way you can replace almost all your cleaning products!