10 Common Indoor Air Pollutants and How to Remove Them

Air Pollutants—you can’t see them, but they can see you. They surround your personal yet comfortable living space with their contaminants, poisoning your airways when you’re not careful. Leaving the gas stove on? Air pollution. Mildew in the corner of the shower? Air pollution. Even those innocent-looking dust bunnies under your bed are not so innocent—air pollution. Almost all of the everyday items you use in your home can be a health risk.

But how can you prevent these common yet hazardous mistakes? Everyone loves a small, decorative ventilation device with an added floral scent in their house for a certain aesthetic, but aesthetics aren’t always everything - they don’t necessarily help reduce and capture moisture build-up; nonetheless, unlike a regular/built-in ventilator, they are not always the strongest to tame the health risks away. COSHH 2002 did warn you, but we’re not them; we’re Ultra Protect. So we’re here to help you to be aware and protect you.

The different air pollutants

Carbon Monoxide

This is a no-brainer. Carbon Monoxide (or CO) can easily travel if you don't switch off the gas from your gas oven, stove, or both and even gas boilers if they're left on for long periods of time throughout the day, especially if you forget to do so. Paraffin heaters and portable generators have been a blast from the past since they died out in the late ‘90s. However, the risks of still using one in this day and age are still significant. Then, you have the health hazards that CO can cause.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a mixture of minerals and crystallised fibres, usually found in fireproof everyday products. It is resistant to heat but does not dissolve in water. As a harmful substance, asbestos can not be disposed of in any everyday bin or recycling bin. However, it can be professionally removed by licensed experts organised by your local council or someone who has experience and a license to do so.

Mould

Mould (particularly black mould) and mildew can be found in old buildings, damp areas/rooms and surfaces, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, where hot steam has nowhere to go, and there are no ventilation fans or windows open. When formed and inhaled, it can cause respiratory sickness, infections, and asthma. It can also be found in very dark places in rooms where there is no light. If you have a damaged blocked drain or gutter, it must be replaced ASAP to prevent it from spreading and any water/moisture coming into the house. Check our guidelines surrounding workplace ventilation.

Lead

Lead can come in different formats, particularly in dust as a grey compound when exposed to the air or a liquid. It can also be found in old buildings and homes, as it was an essential ingredient for many everyday products, especially during the Victorian era. Because it’s hard to detect from time to time, lead poisoning can build up in your body for months until circumstances worsen and require medical attention. Just like asbestos, lead removal can be done by a licensed professional by stripping the chemical.

Ozone

Ozone, essential in the Earth's upper atmosphere for shielding us from harmful ultraviolet radiation, can become a significant air pollutant at ground level. This ground-level ozone forms when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources react chemically in the presence of sunlight. It's a major component of smog, which can have severe health and environmental consequences. Oxidation is employed to mitigate ozone levels indoors. Activated carbon filters, often integrated into air purifiers, can effectively trap ozone molecules.

Benzene

Exposure to benzene is indeed most likely to occur through inhalation, especially in areas with higher levels of air pollution, such as those near industrial facilities or heavy traffic areas where vehicle exhausts are prevalent. Benzene is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that can be released into the air through various industrial processes, fuel combustion, and emissions from motor vehicles. Overall, while the general population may not commonly experience high levels of benzene exposure, it's important to continue monitoring and regulating benzene emissions to minimise potential health risks, especially considering its carcinogenic properties.

Sulfur Dioxide

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is a colourless gas with a pungent odour. It is indeed a by-product of the combustion of fossil fuels like coal and crude oil, as well as other industrial processes such as metal smelting. Efforts to reduce SO2 emissions include implementing cleaner technologies in industrial processes and utilising flue gas desulfurisation systems in power plants to remove sulphur compounds before release into the atmosphere.

Nitrogen Dioxide

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a reddish-brown gas with a sharp, pungent odour. It is primarily emitted during the combustion of fossil fuels, such as those used in vehicles, power plants, and industrial processes. Efforts to reduce NOx emissions include implementing emission control technologies in vehicles and industrial processes, promoting cleaner fuels and energy sources, and enforcing regulations on emissions from various sources.

Particulate Matter

Particulate Matter refers to tiny solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air, ranging in size from a few nanometers to several micrometres. These particles can consist of various substances, including dust, pollen, soot, smoke, and chemicals emitted from industrial processes, vehicle exhaust, construction activities, and natural sources like wildfires. Therefore, efforts to monitor and reduce PM pollution are crucial for protecting public health and mitigating its harmful impacts.

Ammonia

Ammonia (NH3) is a colourless gas with a pungent odour that is often described as similar to urine. It is lighter than air and can easily dissolve in water to form ammonium hydroxide, which is a strong alkaline solution. However, high concentrations of ammonia can harm human health, causing irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as respiratory issues. Therefore, proper handling and ventilation are important when working with or around ammonia-containing substances.

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how to choose a good air purifier for your office

Our Guide To Choosing The Right Air Purifier For Your Business

By Andy Potter • February 11, 2025

The workplace is where your employees spend the majority of their time during the week, and having great air quality is crucial not only for their health but also for their productivity. Improving the air quality in your office minimises the risk of your employees having to take sick leave, as it reduces the level of respiratory diseases and allergens in the air. Investing in a high-quality air purifier is one of the best ways to improve the air quality in your workspace. There’s no shortage of air purifiers on the market, but how do you know which is best? This is our comprehensive explainer guide to why you should invest in an air purifier and the factors you must keep at the forefront of your mind during your search. The Importance Of Indoor Air Quality In The Workplace Indoor air quality (IAQ) is vital in the workplace, and it refers to the quality of the air within indoor spaces. Poor indoor air quality correlates directly with the amount of sick days taken in workplaces. Having a poor IAQ can cause a number of different detrimental health side effects, including allergies, headaches, dizziness, nausea and respiratory problems. The World Health Organisation has called air quality “the world’s largest single environmental health risk,” so there is definite cause for concern regarding your workplace's IAQ. Not only is it vital for ensuring workplace health and safety, but it’s also crucial for maintaining a great reputation in your industry. What Kinds Of Rules & Regulations Are In Place For Workplace IAQ? There are a number of different rules around IAQ that are set out in the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations. These regulations state that all workplaces must be ventilated with enough fresh air to prevent ill health. The HSE recommends a fresh air supply of 5-8 litres per second per person but in commercial buildings, 10 litres per second per person is the recommendation. Investing in air purifiers for business is a great way to ensure that you are always compliant with the most current IAQ regulations. When it comes to air quality, the air introduced into a workplace needs to be free of impurities or airborne diseases that may cause illness. But with so many air purifiers on the market, how do you know which is best for your business? Choosing An Air Purifier: Everything You Need To Know When it comes to air purifiers , there are a few things you have to be aware of in order to get the most out of your model – there’s no point investing in an air purifier if you’re not going to see any benefits. These are some of the most important things you need to be aware of when you’re looking for an air purification system that will work for your space. 1. Room Size Knowing the room size is crucial if you’re looking for an air purifier for your workplace. There’s no point investing in a model that isn’t large enough when you calculate your air volume. 2. Your Problem Knowing your problem is key to figuring out which purifier is going to work best for your business. First uncover if your IAQ problems are to do with viruses, mould, smells or something else entirely so that you can tailor your solutions to best suit your needs. 3. Your Needs Once you’ve got your room size and your problem pinpointed, you can begin to look for an air purifier that creates the correct number of Air Changes per Hour (ACH), if this isn’t able to be achieved, your air purifier won’t perform. You also have to be aware of the types of filters that you need as this can have a big impact on ACH. It’s crucial to choose a model that has the right sensor for your needs, otherwise, the auto mode becomes redundant. For example, if smells or dust are the major problem you’re facing, having a model with an in-built CO2 detector isn’t necessary. Types Of Businesses That Can Benefit From Air Purifiers There are a number of businesses that benefit from air purifiers and it’s not just office spaces. Hotels, nursing homes, construction sites and student accommodation are all examples of spaces where IAQ is crucial. Hotel rooms, student accommodation, and offices that lack ventilation can experience issues with both air quality and mould, so ensuring you have an air purification process in place is vital to ensure the safety of employees, guests, and residents alike. Office spaces may benefit from ultra-quiet models that can be on at all times without interrupting telephone calls or important meetings. Whilst hotels and student accommodations may benefit from a wall model that has both air purification and dehumidification in a single unit so you can improve ventilation, prevent mould and improve air quality. Types Of Filters For Your Workplace HEPA HEPA air filters can trap 99.97% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns or smaller. They remove allergens like dust, mould, pollen and dander. They can also effectively remove smoke and fumes. HEPA filters are great for use in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, and other areas where constant air purification is an absolute must. Carbon Filters Carbon filters use activated carbon to remove smells, gasses and pollutants from the air. They’re great for removing smells from smoke as well as removing volatile organic compounds like paint, cleaning products and construction materials. They are also effective at removing gasses from acetone and paint fumes, so they are great for construction sites. UC-V UC-V purifiers use Ultraviolet-C light to eliminate airborne pathogens like bacteria, viruses and mould spores. They are great for air purification in areas where reducing airborne pathogens is vital. The UV-C light is combined with filtration technologies like HEPA or carbon filters to neutralise and remove any potential contaminants. Air Purifier Placement Placement matters when it comes to choosing an air purifier for your workplace. You need to ensure it is off the floor, which saves space and ensures that it doesn’t just get unplugged and forgotten about by an employee. Wall models are a great option for businesses as they can be wired into an electrical circuit to be on 24/7. These are perfect for workplaces as you can “set and forget” your air purifier and rest assured that the IAQ in your space is in line with UK regulations. They’re also great as they save space and are a discreet option if aesthetics are important to you. Ceiling models (with noise reduction) are another popular option for workplaces. They can be easily added to the correct positions so that the room's individuals benefit directly from the clean airflow. How Can Ultra Protect Help You? If you’ve been wondering how to choose a good air purifier for your business, our team at Ultra Protect is here to help. In addition to our range of air purifiers, we also have InBiot , a smart solution that monitors and enhances your building's indoor air quality in real-time. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current air purification process or you’re moving to a new space and want to start fresh, we can provide you with bespoke solutions that will work for your business. Contact us today for a consultation or for more information on how you can effectively improve the IAQ in your workplace.

Are Candles Bad for Indoor Air Quality?

By Andy Potter • February 3, 2025

Learn how burning candles affects your indoor air quality and discover countermeasures to reduce health risks.