Indoor air quality often worsens during winter as homes remain closed to retain warmth, trapping pollutants inside. Reduced ventilation allows dust, smoke, chemical fumes, and biological contaminants to accumulate, increasing health risks. Common winter activities like using heaters, burning incense, cooking with gas, and drying clothes indoors further add to indoor pollution. Prolonged exposure can trigger respiratory problems, allergies, headaches, and fatigue, especially among children, elderly people, and those with asthma. Awareness about indoor air pollution is crucial during winter, as simple lifestyle adjustments and preventive measures can significantly improve air quality and protect overall health within enclosed living spaces.
Also Read: Have come together to stay together: Raj Thackeray on reunion with Uddhav
Smoke from Heating SourcesDuring winter, heaters, fireplaces, and coal or wood-burning stoves are widely used, releasing smoke and harmful particles indoors. Incomplete combustion can emit carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and fine particulate matter, which are dangerous when inhaled over time. Poorly maintained heaters increase the risk of toxic exposure, causing dizziness, breathing difficulty, or even poisoning. Regular servicing of heating appliances, using certified clean-fuel heaters, and ensuring proper exhaust systems are essential steps. Keeping vents unblocked and allowing fresh air circulation for short periods daily can reduce the buildup of smoke-related pollutants indoors.
Reduced Ventilation and Trapped PollutantsCold weather often leads people to keep windows and doors shut, significantly reducing ventilation. This traps indoor pollutants such as dust, pet dander, cooking fumes, and cleaning chemical vapors. Over time, these contaminants accumulate, degrading air quality and increasing respiratory discomfort. Stale indoor air can also lead to moisture buildup, encouraging mold growth. To counter this, it is important to ventilate rooms periodically, even during winter. Opening windows for a few minutes, using exhaust fans, and ensuring airflow between rooms helps replace polluted air with fresher outdoor air.
Mold and Dampness in WinterWinter humidity combined with limited sunlight and ventilation creates ideal conditions for mold growth. Damp walls, carpets, and furniture can harbor mold spores that become airborne and cause allergies, coughing, and asthma flare-ups. Bathrooms, kitchens, and poorly insulated areas are especially vulnerable. Mold exposure over long periods can seriously affect lung health. Preventive steps include fixing leaks, drying wet areas promptly, and maintaining balanced indoor humidity levels. Using dehumidifiers, ensuring sunlight exposure when possible, and cleaning mold-prone surfaces regularly can help minimize the risk of mold-related indoor pollution.
Indoor Chemical PollutantsHousehold products such as room fresheners, cleaning sprays, paints, and mosquito repellents are often used more during winter, releasing volatile organic compounds into the air. These chemicals can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and may cause headaches or nausea with prolonged exposure. Since ventilation is limited, their concentration indoors increases. Choosing low-chemical or natural alternatives, reducing excessive use, and storing products properly can lower indoor chemical pollution. Reading product labels, avoiding mixing chemicals, and using such products in well-ventilated spaces are effective ways to protect indoor air quality.
Simple Steps to Improve Indoor Air QualityImproving indoor air quality during winter does not require drastic changes. Regular cleaning to reduce dust, washing curtains and bedding, and vacuuming carpets can lower pollutant levels. Indoor plants that improve air quality can also help when used appropriately. Avoid smoking indoors and ensure kitchens are well-ventilated during cooking. Installing air purifiers with proper filters can further reduce airborne particles. Most importantly, balancing warmth with periodic ventilation helps maintain healthier air. Consistent small efforts can significantly reduce indoor pollution and safeguard health throughout the winter season.