Particulate Matter in the Home – Sources, Dangers & Solutions
Contrary to popular belief, particulate matter levels in homes are often twice as high as outdoors. What's more, the tiny particles are even more harmful indoors than outside. Find out now how particulate matter gets into our homes, what health effects it can cause, and what you can do about it.
Particulate matter consists of countless billions of tiny, and therefore virtually invisible, particles. These are at most a few thousandths of a millimeter (micrometers) in size. Due to their small size, the particles can penetrate deep into the airways when inhaled and cause health problems.
What are the sources of particulate matter?
Most sources of particulate matter are produced by humans. The main causes of particulate matter exposure are combustion engines, stoves and fireplaces, coal-fired power plants and industrial facilities. Road, ship and air traffic also blow particulate matter into the air with their exhaust fumes. But "byproducts" of transportation, such as brake and tire wear, also produce particulate matter or repeatedly stir up dust already lying on the roads. Another major source is agriculture, with its ammonia emissions.
How does particulate matter get into homes?
Particulate matter typically enters homes through open or leaky windows. How many particles are in the outdoor air and make their way indoors naturally depends heavily on the location of the home or house. But it's not just road traffic that brings particulate matter into homes. Residents themselves also carry it in – on their clothing or footwear. About half of the particulate matter in homes comes from outside. The other half is generated within the home itself.
Indoor sources of particulate matter at a glance:
- Surface abrasion, e.g. from carpets or textile fabrics
- Combustion processes, such as from heating systems, (open) fireplaces, gas boilers
- Burning candles or cigarettes
- Cooking & frying without a range hood
- Operation of electronic devices, e.g. toasters, copiers, (laser) printers
- Outdoor air, e.g. exhaust fumes entering from traffic, industry & agriculture
Why is particulate matter in the home so dangerous?
Particulate matter cannot escape from enclosed spaces, since there are hardly any dilution effects here as there would be outdoors. Particulate matter is concerning not only because of the particles themselves, but because of other substances that can attach to particulate or household dust and thus enter our bodies and cells. For example:
- Phthalates contained in plastics, so-called plasticizers: These substances are suspected of being carcinogenic and of increasing the risk of asthma in children. They are found mainly in cosmetics, toys and plastic packaging.
- Phenols contained in cleaning products: Flame retardants used in the processing of furniture, flooring, building materials and electronic devices.
- Perfluorinated hydrocarbons, used to waterproof outdoor clothing and sports shoes, or for the non-stick coatings on cooking pots.
- Allergens from pets
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which off-gas from carpets, computers or furniture, or are produced when burning candles.
- Biological particles such as pollen, bacteria, fungi or viruses
Besides being suspected of being carcinogenic, these substances are also believed to disrupt hormone balance and the immune system. We absorb the pollutants contained in household dust via the air we breathe, our skin and our hands.
What health risks does particulate matter in homes pose?
The smallest particles penetrate all the way to the alveoli, even entering the bloodstream and, from there, various organs. Depending on whether the particles are soluble or not, they remain in the body longer and cause irritation effects of varying duration. Anyone exposed to high particulate matter levels for a long time risks inflammatory changes in their airways. Since breathing and blood circulation work closely together, both systems are negatively affected. Allergy and asthma sufferers in particular react sensitively to air pollutants. Skin, eye and mucous membrane irritation, as well as an increased risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease, are also possible.
Possible consequences of particulate matter exposure in the home include:
- Lung diseases such as asthma & bronchitis
- Lung cancer
- Poisoning symptoms & headaches
- Heart attack, thrombosis & stroke
- Restlessness & exhaustion syndrome
What helps against particulate matter in the home?
To remove particulate matter particles from your home and reduce exposure, you should air out rooms briefly several times a day for at least five minutes, and regularly mop floors. Also use a vacuum cleaner with a good filter. These models offer better dust retention, meaning significantly less particulate matter is blown back into the room.
Avoid scented candles or other chemical air fresheners, which only mask bad odors rather than address the cause. These products often contain substances of concern to health, such as VOCs, which can cause fatigue, headaches or even nausea. Find out which other household items off-gas VOCs in our dedicated article. Don't smoke indoors. If you have a fireplace or stove, only use dry, untreated wood for heating.
In the colder months, also reduce the room temperature and ensure the right humidity. A humidity level of 40 to 60 percent is ideal. At this humidity, dust in the air becomes damp and settles to the ground. Get rid of unnecessary dust collectors such as decorative cushions or rugs. Regularly shake out and wash duvets and pillows. Another source of particulate matter is electronic devices. Use energy-efficient devices wherever possible, as they produce less particulate matter.
Keep an eye on particulate matter levels in your home. An air quality monitor like the air-Q measures air components and warns you when limit values are exceeded.
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