Definition of pollutants
In general usage, pollutants are all substances and mixtures of substances that pose a risk to human health and the environment. A distinction is made between two categories, natural and synthetic pollutants.
Dangers of substances in the home and at work
It is not possible to say in general terms what specific hazards the substances pose. Various factors must be taken into account. Firstly, it is always substance-specific and size-dependent. Particles of solid substances and gases in particular enter the body via the respiratory tract, while liquid substances can be absorbed through the skin or swallowed. The type of intake is a decisive factor in the potential risk. On the other hand, the duration of exposure is an important aspect. It is not possible to make a general statement about the risk, but the most common reactions to pollutants are irritation of the skin or mucous membranes.
Pollutants Occurrence
Theoretically, pollutants can occur anywhere. In the area of occupational safety, the circumstances under which exposure occurs are regulated and the operational safety measures are regulated in the risk assessment. Of course, this is not the case in everyday life, so exposure is also possible at home. The range of pollutants is wide, but there are some that are more common.
Top 10 pollutants in the household
Here is a brief overview of the most common pollutants (in no particular order, some substances are presented as examples)
- Asbestos
- Particulate matter
- Various types of cleaner (drain cleaner, chlorine cleaner, descaler)
- Adhesive (carpet)
- Floor coverings
- Colors
- Mold
- Wood preservative
- Plant protection products
- Hazardous waste (used oil, mercury thermometers, etc.)
Asbestos is a mixture of fibers and can be particularly prevalent in older houses. It can be found, for example, in joints or in floor coverings (cushion vinyl).
Extreme caution is required during renovation work and special safety measures must be observed. Another pollutant that is often found in the household is fine dust. These are solid particles with a size of >10µm, which are finely distributed in the air. These particles enter the body via the respiratory tract and can cause irritation to the lungs. Daily vacuuming only helps to a limited extent against fine dust, as many vacuum cleaner models have inadequate filtration.
When used, the various cleaners can cause skin irritation or develop gases that irritate the respiratory tract. This happens particularly often if they are mixed carelessly and with insufficient ventilation. Carpet adhesives or (varnish) paints can outgas over time, which means that they release gases over time that can cause headaches, among other things.
What to do in case of suspicion
If you suspect that pollutants are present in your home, a measurement is the safest way to obtain certainty. Our measurement technicians will draw up an individual measurement concept for you. In order to be able to create this, various information is required, such as the size of the room and which pollutants are suspected. You can also make an appointment for a personal consultation under contact.
Sources:
[1]: Source Featured image: © Comaniciu Dan Dumitru / 123RF.com
[2]: https://www.chemie.de/lexikon/Schadstoff.html
[3]: https://blog.gsa-messgeraete.de/haeufigkeit-der-schadstoffe/
[4]: https://blog.gsa-messgeraete.de/schadstoffe-und-deren-auswirkungen-auf-die-gesundheit/
[5]: https://www.suva.ch/material/tools-tests/asbesthaus
[6]: https://www.verbraucherzentrale.nrw/wissen/umwelt-haushalt/wohnen/schadstoffe-in-innenraeumen-was-sie-dagegen-tun-koennen-12463
[7]:https://www.verbraucherzentrale.de/wissen/umwelt-haushalt/abfall/schadstoffe-im-haushalt-kleine-menge-grosse-wirkung-13929
[8]: https://www.stadt-ratingen.de/bilder/70/abfallwegweiser/fb_schadstoffe.pdf