During the colder months, you’ll probably want to light the fire, close the windows, and get cozy. And when load shedding occurs, turn on the generator and proceed to “Netflix and Chill.” But if you want to stay healthy this winter, that’s exactly what you shouldn’t do – unless you’ve invested in an air purifier, says Trevor Brewer, founding director of Solenco UK. Indoor air pollution can become a problem in winter.
Is indoor air pollution worse in winter?
According to a 2023 Environment International article, we humans spend an average of 80-90% of our time indoors, and much of it at home. This number is significantly higher in winter, especially during cold fronts.
According to scientific research, indoor air pollution can do more than make you feel stuffy. In the short term, pollutants affect the lungs and nervous system, while over time the pollutants affect the heart and endocrine system and can even cause cancer.
According to the WHO, household air pollution was responsible for an estimated 3.2 million deaths per year in 2020, including over 237,000 deaths in children under five. Cooking with gas or using paraffin due to load shedding? Caution: The WHO warns that unvented gas stoves and kerosene burners produce extremely harmful levels of household toxins.
Why is indoor air pollution so bad in South Africa?
In South Africa, the level of particulate matter (read: pollution) in our air is regularly above national standards. About 86% of South Africa’s primary energy supply comes from coal, and much of the particulate matter we breathe comes from producing coal-fired electricity, says Brewer.
And indoor air pollution can get bad. “Contaminants are microscopic particles of toxic chemicals that are small enough to enter the bloodstream. Because they are so small, you can be sure that they will enter your home. In fact, the concentration of pollutants and toxins in the air can be two to five times higher indoors than outdoors,” says Brewer.
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7 Tips to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution
Try “House Burp”
Keeping the windows closed keeps the cold air out, but it also keeps polluted air in. Dust, fumes from household chemicals, emissions from appliances, bacteria and germs, pet hair, moisture and mold all inhabit your home when fresh air is not circulating. And with them come all winter diseases.
Your move: To combat unhealthy air indoors, try the viral German indoor burping exercise, which “shocks” indoor air by creating strong cross-air. How? It’s simple: put on your warmest clothing and open every door and window for five to ten minutes. Try at night or midday, when outdoor air pollution is likely to be at its lowest.
Use an air purifier
You could stock up on medication to combat the symptoms associated with seasonal changes, says Brewer, but he suggests it’s better to prevent these negative effects by investing in an air purifier for your home or office. Look for a device that comes with a true HEPA filter. These filters excel at capturing ultrafine particles, including dangerous PM2.5 particles that otherwise penetrate deep into your lungs.
Solenco Purification Pal
This device keeps the air in your home clean by forcing air through an ultra-fine mesh that traps pollutants.
Dyson air purifier Hot+Cool HP2 De-NOx
This advanced air purification automatically captures 50% more nitrogen oxides, cleaning and heating the entire room evenly.
Xiaomi Smart Pet Care Air Purifier
Designed for pet owners, this three-layer filter system captures dander, dust and allergens.
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Forget about those secret indoor pollutants
Chemicals in your home may seem harmless—after all, you probably brought them inside with you—but some seemingly harmless products contain harmful chemicals. These can be obvious, such as asbestos, coal dust or regular dust. But other sources, such as cigarette and e-cigarette smoke or hookah smoke, also contain serious harmful chemicals.
Cigarettes, vapes and hookahs
Cigarette smoke alone produces the toxic gases carbon monoxide, cyanide, formaldehyde, ammonia, lead and cadmium. Although vape smoke does not produce combustion, it still releases heavy metals through the heat reaction. Hookahs contain heavy metals, tar and other toxic fumes. According to the American Lung Association, it exposes people to nine times more carbon monoxide than a single cigarette. Take it outside.
The fireplace
Fires used for cooking or keeping warm need plenty of ventilation, even if that means letting in the icy air when roasting marshmallows. A study from the University of Stellenbosch found that South African fireplaces release harmful particles that enter the bloodstream, and that researchers found levels well above the recommended limit – even long after the fire had gone out.
Your move: Before lighting, make sure the chimney is fully open so that most of the smoke comes out upwards. Keep the windows open – and combine it with an air purifier.
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Gas stoves or heaters
According to a peer-reviewed study from RMI, the University of Sydney and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 13% of childhood asthma cases in the US could be attributed to a gas stove in the home. Scary stuff. The cozy gas heater emits nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and even benzene, a known carcinogen. Using the exhaust fan only helps minimally, researchers say.
Your move: If you are passionate about it, leave the windows open while in use.
Mold
The South African Home Indoor Quality Management Guideline issued by the Ministry of Health identifies mold as a major contributor to unhealthy indoor air. The guideline states: “Exposure to mold can cause respiratory illnesses in adults and the early onset of asthma and allergies in children. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores can cause allergic reactions such as irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, throat and lungs.”
Your move: Moisture is most often caused by inadequate ventilation in damp areas such as the bathroom and creates ideal conditions for mold. Invest in dehumidifiers for these areas and clean damp areas as per the guideline within 24 hours to prevent mold growth.
Crystal Aire 2-in-1
This compact dehumidifier and HEPA air purifier provides cleaner air and is energy efficient and quiet.
MeacoDry Arete® Two 20L dual dehumidifier and HEPA air purifier
This 2-in-1 dehumidifier and air purifier works year-round to combat excess moisture and improve indoor air quality. It is particularly practical in winter, when condensation, moisture and mold become unwanted house guests.
Heartdeco household dehumidifier
This portable and quiet device collects up to 300 ml of moisture daily.
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Invest in air-purifying plants
Some houseplants can spread toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene and trichlorethylene into the air. It’s important to still clean your plants as dust can build up on the leaves, which can lead to allergies. These plants can naturally remove toxins and improve air quality:
Peace Lily
Peace lilies absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air such as formaldehyde and benzene. Place in low, indirect light.
spider plant
This pet-friendly plant absorbs harmful compounds with great efficiency. Grow in bright, indirect light.
Snake plant
These absorb pollutants and release oxygen at night. They are difficult to destroy and thrive in darkness or indirect sunlight.
Humidify your air
The dryness of the winter air can be dangerous to health, especially in the cooler months. If your problem is the opposite of mold, dry air is a problem for people with respiratory or lung problems, while cold and dry air narrows the airways and makes breathing difficult. Even if you are healthy, dry air can cause pain, inflammation and headaches, asthma, allergies and hay fever, itchy, uncomfortable skin and nosebleeds. What works? A humidifier that can freshen the air by injecting purified water into your surroundings.
Xiaomi Smart Fragrance Diffuser
This statement piece exudes a calming stream of fragrant mist. Features 15 settings and 16 million (yes, million) colors to choose from.
Moucles room humidifier
This ultrasonic device moisturizes to relieve dry skin and congested skin. It also has an integrated night light and a large capacity of 1.2L.
Black & Decker digital humidifier
For larger rooms, this 6 liter machine has a filter to remove impurities and emits clean mist.
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