According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), heart disease is the leading cause of death globally. It accounts for 16% of the world’s total deaths. It is also the disease with the largest increase in deaths, rising by more than 2 million to 8.9 million in 2019. Air pollution is a factor in about one-quarter of these figures.
Laws and regulations have made significant improvements in outdoor air quality. Particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution is 50 percent less than it was in 1990. Even Covid-19 has helped lower airborne pollutants with the reduced vehicle traffic.
However, indoor air quality (IAQ) also has profound impacts on cardiovascular health.
Short-Term IAQ Effects
It’s essential to put the facts in context. Unless you work outdoors, then the chances are you’re spending up to 90 percent of your days indoors. Short-term effects of poor IAQ quality include:
● Eye irritation
● Headaches
● Sore throat
● Fatigue
While these things may seem like annoyances at best, the long-term effects are more serious, especially if you have a pre-existing condition.
IAQ and Your Heart
Years-long exposure can damage your blood vessels by causing them to become less flexible and narrower, setting the stage for atherosclerosis. Over time, it can increase your risk of high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease.
However, the negative impacts don’t stop there.
Air pollution can also increase your chance of a stroke by making it more likely for clots to form. Bear in mind the narrowing of your blood vessels that may also be occurring at the same time. Ultimately, long-term exposure can lead to heart failure from the added strain and associated damage caused by poor air quality.
Improving Your IAQ
While you may not have much control over outdoor air pollution, you can take a two-pronged approach to improve the situation indoors. It involves tackling eliminating as many sources of pollutants and getting rid of what is already in the space.
The main types of irritants are gases, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM2.5). The former includes things such as cleaning products, air fresheners, home furnishings, and paints. The latter can come from tobacco products, candles, fireplaces, and dust.
Taking Aim at the Sources
It’s essential to remember that indoor spaces are not air-tight. Outdoor sources such as radon can permeate through walls. Nevertheless, you can control things such as smoking indoors or using your fireplace or kerosene heater.
Many PM2.5 sources exist in carpets and furniture. Therefore, it’s imperative not to release them into the air by vacuuming them with a sweeper that doesn’t have a HEPA filter on it.
The Path to Clean Air
Filtering the indoor air is an excellent way to improve the IAQ. Replacing a filter with one with a higher Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) can perform more efficiently. For example, a MERV 12 product is up to 90 percent effective at removing particles between 1.0–3.0 microns.
Another solution is a portable HEPA filter. Make sure it has a high enough clean air delivery rate (CADR) for the room.
Another option is to use a UVC light. It can kill bacteria and other pathogens that can contribute to poor IAQ. However, it is important to avoid products that generate ozone, which can cause throat irritation, chest tightness, shortness of breath and impaired breathing. Ozone can worsen existing asthma symptoms and may even contribute to the development of asthma.
Finally, if PM2.5 levels are high, stay indoors to prevent exposure that can worsen a pre-existing heart condition. Use the time for light activity to avoid taxing your respiratory system.
Final Thoughts
Poor air quality is an insidious risk factor for heart disease and other chronic health conditions. The fact that you can’t see it makes it even more hazardous for your health. The essential thing is to prioritize IAQ before adverse effects take hold.
