Many people don’t realize it, but the kitchen is a major source of indoor air pollution. It can come from various sources throughout the kitchen as well as from cooking stoves. Exposure to indoor air pollution from kitchens can contribute to asthma, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Here are some things you can do to prevent and reduce indoor air pollution:
Ventilation
Cooking releases a number of volatile, toxic compounds that can contribute to serious health and respiratory problems. Using ventilation such as exhaust fans on top of a stove as well as fans in the kitchen is an effective means of reducing exposure to harmful compounds. Ventilation together with fans will also work well in reducing humidity, which can lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
The absence of any ventilation will allow pollutants to remain in the air, which are then ingested by people who are around.
- Turn on the ventilation hood every time you cook. Set the vent fan to the highest setting possible, which will make the sound more tolerable.
- The vent should release the air outdoors. Otherwise, it will recirculate the air into your kitchen.
- When buying a new hood, make sure that it covers the front burners. The setting should also enable it to move at least 200 cubic feet of air each minute.
- If it isn’t possible to have a range hood, cooking by a window and keeping it open should be just as effective.
Get Rid of Odors
Instead of buying sprays to mask the odor, the goal should be to eliminate them completely. Find the source of bad odors and clean it thoroughly. Whether the source is from rotting food or a pet accident, eliminate it by using baking soda. Conventional air fresheners contain harmful chemicals and phthalates that can cause health problems later on.
Cleaning
Dust around the kitchen can result in the growth of pollen, mites, mold, mildew and other harmful bacteria, which are inhaled. Chronic exposure to these contaminants can lead to respiratory illnesses and allergies. Use an electrostatically charged duster or a damp rag to thoroughly clean your kitchen. Make sure that you clean even hard-to-reach areas, which can harbour the growth of bacteria if it’s left untreated.
