Summary
Indoor air can be more polluted than we realize, and we’re breathing it in every day. From fine dust and chemical fumes to mold and pet dander, the air inside our homes and offices often carries hidden health risks. In this blog, we’ve listed the 10 most common indoor air pollutants, where they come from, how they affect your health, and what you can do to reduce them.
Simple steps like using HEPA filters, keeping humidity in check, and choosing low-VOC materials can go a long way. But if you’re managing a workspace, facility, or large building, relying on guesswork isn’t enough.
That’s where smart air monitoring comes in. Devices like Oizom’s Odosense and Polludrone help you track pollutants and environmental conditions in real time, so you’re not just reacting, you’re staying ahead.
Indoor air quality isn’t something to ignore. Whether it’s about comfort, compliance, or care, taking action now can make indoor spaces healthier and safer for everyone.
Top 10 Indoor Air Pollutants and Proven Fixes
If you think air pollution is only an outdoor problem, think again. The air inside your home or office could be just as polluted, and you’re breathing it all day without even realizing it.
Most of us spend over 90% of our time indoors, and during that time, we’re exposed to pollutants from cooking, cleaning products, building materials, or even furniture. Unlike outdoor air, indoor air has limited ways to refresh itself, making it easy for harmful substances to build up over time.
According to the World Health Organization, indoor air pollution is linked to millions of deaths every year. And while that sounds extreme, the good news is that most indoor pollutants can be identified and controlled with the right steps.
In this blog, we’ll break down the top 10 indoor air pollutants, where they come from, how they impact health, and what you can do to remove them. Whether you’re managing an indoor space or advising others on air quality, these are the fixes that make a real difference.
1. Particulate Matter (PM2.5 & PM10)
When it comes to indoor air quality, particulate matter is one of the most common and harmful pollutants. These tiny particles, often invisible to the eye—can linger in the air for hours, getting deep into our lungs with every breath. PM2.5 (particles smaller than 2.5 microns) and PM10 (smaller than 10 microns) are especially concerning in indoor spaces where ventilation may be poor.
Source
When we think of air pollution, we often blame factories and power plants, but there are many other sources of particulate matter (PM2.5), too. PM2.5 and PM10 can come directly from sources like vehicles or fires (primary PM) or form in the air through chemical reactions involving gases like sulfur and nitrogen oxides (secondary PM). Natural sources include sea spray, dust from soil, volcanoes, and wildfires. Human activities that contribute to PM2.5 levels include burning fuels (such as diesel, coal, and wood), farming, cooking, smoking, and emissions from vehicles and industrial sources.
Health Effects
Because of their small size, PM2.5 particles can travel deep into the respiratory tract and even enter the bloodstream. Long-term exposure has been linked to chronic respiratory diseases, aggravated asthma, cardiovascular issues, and even reduced lung function in children and elderly individuals. PM10, though slightly larger, can still irritate the nose, throat, and eyes and trigger allergic reactions.
Did you know this? Short-term particle pollution is still a serious problem in many areas. According to the report, over 77 million people lived in places that had unhealthy spikes in particle levels, the highest number recorded in the last 16 years.
How to Eliminate
The good news is, there are effective ways to manage and reduce PM levels indoors:
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to trap fine particles.
- Ensure proper ventilation by using exhaust fans while cooking or opening windows when outdoor air quality permits.
- Reduce indoor sources like smoking, frequent use of incense, or unventilated cooking.
- Regularly clean surfaces using damp cloths or vacuum cleaners with HEPA filtration to prevent re-suspension of dust particles.
By controlling particulate matter at its source and improving filtration and ventilation, you can significantly enhance indoor air quality and reduce health risks.
2. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
You can’t always smell them, but VOCs are almost everywhere indoors. These are gases released from various solids and liquids we commonly use, often in closed spaces with little ventilation. Over time, VOC buildup can pose serious health risks, especially when combined with poor airflow and prolonged exposure.
Source
VOCs are released from a wide range of household and office materials. Common sources include wall paints, varnishes, cleaning sprays, air fresheners, adhesives, and even new carpets or pressed wood furniture. These products off-gas continuously, even when they’re not in use, and their release intensifies in higher temperatures.
Health Effects
Short-term exposure to VOCs can lead to headaches, dizziness, eye irritation, and throat discomfort. For those with asthma or chemical sensitivities, symptoms may appear even with low concentrations. Long-term or repeated exposure has been linked to liver and kidney damage, nervous system issues, and an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly from compounds like formaldehyde and benzene.
How to Eliminate
Managing VOCs indoors starts with awareness and smart choices:
- Choose low-VOC or VOC-free products when buying paints, sealants, and furniture.
- Ventilate regularly, especially when using cleaning products or bringing in new furnishings.
- Store chemicals properly and dispose of unused items to reduce indoor emission sources.
- Incorporate indoor air monitors to track VOC levels in real time, helping you take timely action.
- Worried about VOC levels at your site? You don’t have to be. With Oizom’s Odosense, you get more than just VOC monitoring; you can track up to 9 different gases, including SO₂, H₂S, NH₃, and more, all in real-time. It also measures temperature, humidity, and pressure (THP) for a complete air quality picture.
- And with 8 GB of internal storage, your data is safe, even in case of network interruptions. So, whether it’s for compliance, health, or process control, Odosense has you covered.
Even though VOCs are part of everyday materials, consistent monitoring and preventive actions can make indoor spaces much safer and healthier to breathe in.
3. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is one of those indoor pollutants that often goes unnoticed, but it’s more common than you’d expect. It’s a colorless gas with a strong, pungent odor and is widely used in building materials and household products. Even at low concentrations, formaldehyde can have a noticeable impact on indoor air quality.
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The most frequent sources of formaldehyde indoors include plywood, particleboard, glues, adhesives, upholstery, and synthetic fabrics. It’s also found in some cleaning agents, disinfectants, and even cosmetics. New furniture and renovation materials tend to off-gas more formaldehyde during the first few months of use, especially in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces.
Health Effects
Exposure to formaldehyde can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation and may trigger asthma symptoms or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Long-term or repeated exposure, even at low levels, has been linked to respiratory disorders and is classified by the IARC as a human carcinogen, with risks increasing in spaces with poor airflow.
How to Eliminate
To reduce formaldehyde levels indoors:
- Air out new furniture or materials before bringing them into occupied spaces.
- Improve ventilation, especially after renovation or when using cleaning chemicals.
- Use activated carbon or chemical-specific air filters, which are effective in absorbing formaldehyde.
- Whenever possible, choose certified low-emission products for furniture and interiors.
Monitoring and controlling formaldehyde indoors is essential for maintaining healthy air quality, particularly in modern, sealed buildings where pollutants tend to accumulate over time.
4. Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide is often called the “silent killer” for a reason. It’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it impossible to detect without a proper sensor. Even at low concentrations, prolonged exposure to CO can pose serious health risks, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated indoor environments.
Source
CO is commonly produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Indoors, this includes sources like gas stoves, space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, and even car exhaust if a garage is attached. Poorly maintained or vented appliances are especially likely to release unsafe levels of carbon monoxide.
Health Effects
When inhaled, CO binds to hemoglobin in the blood more readily than oxygen, which reduces oxygen delivery to vital organs. This can cause headaches, dizziness, weakness, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or death. The danger escalates in environments where people are asleep or unaware, making early detection critical.
How to Eliminate
Managing CO risk is about prevention and early warning:
- Install CO detectors in key areas like kitchens, bedrooms, and near heating appliances.
- Ensure regular maintenance of gas-based appliances and flues.
- Avoid running generators or vehicles in enclosed spaces, even with the garage door open.
- For facilities or workplaces, consider real-time CO monitoring systems to ensure compliance and safety.
In indoor spaces where fuel-burning appliances are used, CO monitoring isn’t optional; it’s essential for health and safety.
5. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)
Nitrogen dioxide isn’t just an outdoor traffic pollutant; it shows up indoors more often than people realize. If you’re using gas stoves or heating systems without proper ventilation, NO₂ can quietly accumulate and affect your indoor air quality. And since it’s invisible, most people don’t even know it’s there.
Source
The primary indoor sources of NO₂ include gas stoves, ovens, and unvented heaters. It can also come from tobacco smoke and infiltration from nearby traffic or industrial areas. In tightly sealed homes or buildings, NO₂ tends to linger longer, especially where cooking is frequent and ventilation is inadequate.
Health Effects
Even at low levels, nitrogen dioxide can irritate the lungs and airways. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions are especially sensitive. Continued exposure may reduce lung function, increase the risk of respiratory infections, and worsen chronic respiratory diseases in children and older adults.
How to Eliminate
Controlling NO₂ indoors is mostly about improving airflow and reducing emission sources:
- Use exhaust fans when cooking, especially with gas.
- Ensure proper ventilation in kitchens and areas with fuel-burning appliances.
- Where possible, switch to electric appliances or low-emission alternatives.
- For high-risk environments, consider continuous air quality monitoring to catch buildup early.
By keeping NO₂ levels in check, you can significantly lower respiratory risks, especially in homes, schools, and healthcare facilities where vulnerable individuals spend time.
6. Mold Spores
Mold isn’t just a sign of poor maintenance; it’s a serious indoor air quality concern. These tiny fungal spores become airborne and are easily inhaled, often without us noticing. In damp indoor environments, mold growth is almost inevitable unless preventive steps are taken.
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Mold spores thrive in moist and poorly ventilated areas. Common sources include leaky pipes, damp walls, humid bathrooms, or basements. Even daily activities like cooking or showering can raise indoor humidity, creating the perfect environment for mold to grow on walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture.
Health Effects
Inhalation of mold spores can trigger allergic reactions, including sneezing, coughing, and skin irritation. People with asthma or weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable, and long-term exposure can lead to chronic respiratory problems. Black mold, in particular, has been associated with more severe health issues in sensitive individuals.
How to Eliminate
To manage mold and prevent future outbreaks:
- Use dehumidifiers to maintain indoor humidity below 50%.
- Fix water leaks promptly, whether in pipes, roofs, or windows.
- Ensure good ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Apply anti-mold or fungicidal paint in high-moisture areas to prevent growth.
- For severe infestations, professional mold remediation may be necessary.
Mold is more than just a stain; it’s a health hazard. Regular inspection, moisture control, and prompt action are key to keeping your indoor environment safe.
7. Ozone (O₃)
Ozone is often misunderstood. While it’s helpful high up in the atmosphere, protecting us from UV radiation, it’s a different story at ground level, especially indoors. In enclosed spaces, ozone acts as a harmful air pollutant that can do more damage than good when inhaled regularly.
Source
Surprisingly, some electronic air purifiers, ionizers, and even laser printers and copiers can generate ozone as a by-product. While marketed for air cleaning, these devices can end up releasing small amounts of ozone into the room, especially if used frequently or in tight spaces with limited ventilation.
Health Effects
Exposure to ozone indoors can lead to throat irritation, chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath. Over time, even low-level exposure can weaken lung function, aggravate asthma, and increase sensitivity to allergens and infections. Unlike outdoor ozone, which disperses, indoor ozone tends to linger.
How to Eliminate
Reducing indoor ozone exposure is more straightforward than most think:
- Avoid ozone-generating devices such as certain ionizers and “ozone air purifiers.
- Ventilate your space when using printers or equipment that may emit ozone.
- Choose certified air purifiers that filter pollutants without producing ozone.
For professionals working in labs, offices, or controlled indoor environments, knowing your equipment’s emission profile is key. Monitoring indoor ozone levels ensures a safer, healthier breathing environment, especially where sensitive individuals are present.
8. Radon
Radon is one of those indoor air pollutants you can’t see, smell, or taste, but it’s among the most dangerous. Often overlooked in indoor air assessments, radon exposure is a serious concern in many regions, especially in buildings with basements or ground contact.
Source
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It enters indoor spaces through cracks in floors, walls, or foundations, especially in basements or lower levels. Poor ventilation can trap radon indoors, allowing it to accumulate to unsafe levels over time.
Health Effects
Long-term radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer globally, and the top cause among non-smokers. The gas breaks down into radioactive particles that, when inhaled, can damage lung tissue. Since symptoms don’t appear right away, people often remain unaware until it’s too late.
How to Eliminate
The first step is detection:
- Use radon test kits (available in both DIY and professional-grade options) to assess radon levels.
- If radon levels are high, seal cracks and gaps in floors and foundations.
- Improve subfloor ventilation or install radon mitigation systems, especially in high-risk zones.
For workplaces, schools, or homes in radon-prone areas, regular testing and mitigation aren’t just good practice, they’re a must for long-term health protection.
9. Tobacco Smoke
Tobacco smoke is one of the most recognized indoor pollutants, and still one of the most harmful. Even with growing awareness, many indoor environments continue to deal with the lingering effects of cigarette or cigar smoke, especially in shared residential or multi-use buildings.
Source
The primary source is obvious: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other smoking products. But it’s not just the smoker at risk. Secondhand smoke, the smoke exhaled or released from a burning cigarette, can spread across rooms and settle on furniture, fabrics, and walls, long after the smoking stops.
Health Effects
There’s no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke. It contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are known carcinogens. Regular exposure can lead to heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer, not just in smokers but also in those who inhale the smoke passively. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, with increased risks of asthma and respiratory infections.
How to Eliminate
The best protection is prevention:
- Establish smoke-free indoor zones in homes, offices, and shared buildings.
- Promote outdoor-only smoking policies for guests or staff.
- Use air purifiers designed to trap smoke particles and VOCs, though they can’t remove all health risks.
- Clean and ventilate previously exposed spaces to reduce lingering residue, known as thirdhand smoke.
Tobacco smoke may feel like an individual choice, but its impact on indoor air quality and public health is collective. Smoke-free environments are a simple yet powerful way to protect everyone inside.
10. Biological Pollutants
Not all indoor air pollutants are chemical or gas-based; some are living or once-living particles. Biological pollutants are among the most common triggers for indoor allergies and respiratory conditions, especially in closed, climate-controlled spaces where they can thrive unnoticed.
Source
Common sources include dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, pollen, bacteria, and even cockroach droppings. These particles accumulate in soft furnishings like carpets, bedsheets, curtains, and even HVAC ducts. Pets, indoor plants, and inadequate cleaning can accelerate their spread indoors.
Health Effects
Biological pollutants are major allergy and asthma triggers. They can cause sneezing, itchy eyes, wheezing, and chronic congestion. In more sensitive individuals, such as children or those with compromised immunity, they may also lead to more serious respiratory infections or worsen pre-existing conditions like eczema and bronchitis.
How to Eliminate
A few regular habits can significantly reduce biological pollutants indoors:
- Vacuum frequently using HEPA-filtered cleaners to trap microscopic allergens.
- Wash bedding, curtains, and upholstery in hot water to kill dust mites and remove dander.
- Control indoor humidity to prevent mold and dust mite growth (aim for below 50%).
- Use allergen-proof covers on mattresses and pillows.
- Clean or replace HVAC filters routinely to avoid recirculation of allergens.
Understanding and managing biological pollutants is essential, not just for comfort but for long-term health. In spaces where people spend extended hours, even small improvements in biological IAQ can make a measurable difference.
Conclusion
Indoor air quality isn’t just about comfort; it’s about protecting health, enhancing productivity, and maintaining safer living and working environments. From invisible gases like CO and formaldehyde to biological triggers like mold and pet dander, the pollutants we’ve covered are more common than we’d like to think. But the good news is, most of them can be identified and managed with the right approach.
As air quality professionals, we know that guesswork doesn’t work; accurate monitoring is the foundation for any meaningful improvement. This is where technology steps in. Devices like Oizom’s Odosense and Polludrone offer real-time monitoring of gases, particulate matter, and environmental conditions with high accuracy. Whether it’s a residential complex, hospital, or industrial facility, data-backed decisions lead to better indoor air outcomes.
Looking ahead, the role of IoT-driven air quality systems will only grow stronger. With increasing focus on ESG, wellness, and smart buildings, continuous indoor air monitoring will become a standard, not a luxury. Advanced analytics, AI-based alerts, and seamless integration with HVAC and BMS systems are already transforming how we approach indoor air quality.
The future is not just about knowing what’s in the air, but about acting on it in real time. So, whether you’re managing a facility or advising clients, now is the time to prioritize indoor air quality, not just for compliance, but for care.
FAQs
Formaldehyde and PM2.5 are considered among the most harmful indoor air pollutants. They can cause serious health issues like asthma, respiratory damage, and even cancer with long-term exposure.
You can monitor indoor air quality using real-time air quality monitors like Oizom’s devices. These measures key pollutants such as PM, VOCs, CO₂, temperature, and humidity, helping you take timely action.
Yes, but only air purifiers with activated carbon filters are effective in removing VOCs. Standard HEPA filters capture particles but don’t absorb gases like VOCs, so choose your purifier accordingly.
