The Indoor Air Pollution Chase

This content was archived on June 24, 2013.

The Indoor Air Pollution Chase

Welcome to The Indoor Air Pollution Chase. Here's the challenge for you: see if you can find things that can affect indoor air quality at home.

Look around the house, and use your mouse to check out each room. Click on all the objects to find out if they affect indoor air quality.

Remember! Some objects are not necessarily harmful, but you'll still get useful information by clicking on them. The object of the game is to find all the harmful things in the house. If you want to know how many things are left to find, check your "score", which is shown below the game window.

Roof

Birds on the roof don't affect indoor air quality. But keep an eye on them. Their nests can block the eavestroughs, which can cause water damage in the attic.

Problem
Yes indeed! Water damage can promote the growth of moulds that are harmful to your health.

Solution
When there is a leak or water damage, it is important to repair it as soon as possible.

Bathroom

Ceiling fans are a great way to reduce humidity and condensation, which prevents mould growth and improves indoor air quality.

Problem
Yes! Some cleaning products can give off harmful gases.

Solution
Read and follow the safety information on the label, and manufacturer's instructions when using any chemical products.

Bedroom

Plants generally do not affect indoor air quality. However, if humidity levels are too high, they can promote mould growth.

Problem
For sure! Mould growth in a house can cause respiratory and allergy problems for some people.

Solution
It is important to find the source of the humidity that is causing the mould and to correct the problem.

Problem
Of course! Some varnishes and paints contain solvents that can give off harmful gases such as formaldehyde, a toxic gas.

Solution
When painting or varnishing something, keep the work area well ventilated.

Kitchen

Problem
Yes! Gas stoves can produce nitrogen dioxide, which irritates the lungs and contaminates indoor air.

Solution
When using a gas stove, it is important to have a range hood for venting air pollutants to the outside.

Living room

Indoor water fountains don't necessarily affect air quality. However, it's important to make sure they don't increase humidity levels, which can cause mould growth.

Problem
No doubt about it! Cigarettes are the main source of indoor pollution in homes. Second-hand tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals and at least 50 of these chemicals are known cancer-causing substances that can seriously harm the health of people.

Solution
Don't allow anyone to smoke in your house.

Problem
Well done! Wood smoke contains several harmful substances.

Solution
Make sure your fireplace are well maintained. Have the chimney swept at least once a year. Also, it is best to burn small pieces of clean, dry wood.

Garage

Of course! A container that is tightly closed should not pose a problem, as far as air quality is concerned. However, it is a good idea to make sure that it is tightly sealed and stored with the other chemical products, in an area that is not occupied, such as the garage.

Problem
Obviously! Exhaust gases from vehicles contain carbon monoxide, a toxic gas. When a car is idling in the garage, carbon monoxide can penetrate into the house.

Solution
Never leave a car idling in the garage.

Basement

A dehumidifier can be a very effective way to reduce indoor humidity levels.

Problem
For sure! Mould growth in a house may cause respiratory problems and allergic reactions in some occupants.

Solution
It is important to find the source of the humidity that is causing the mould and to correct the problem.

Problem
Exactly! If not properly maintained, combustion appliances, like your furnace, can release pollutants such as carbon monoxide, a colourless and odourless gas.

Solution
Have all combustion appliances checked once a year by a specialist. Make sure to install a carbon monoxide detector where you can hear it.

Problem
Right again! Health Canada has warned the public not to use air treatment appliances designed to intentionally generate ozone in their homes. Ozone is an irritant that can cause coughs, chest discomfort, and irritation of the nose and throat.

Solution
When it comes to maintaining good indoor air quality, it is better to eliminate the source of the problem.

Laundry room

Dirty clothes do not cause indoor air quality problems as long as they don't smell bad.

Problem
For sure! Steam from a dryer not vented to the outside can create excessive humidity, which can promote mould growth.

Solution
Dryers must be vented to the outside.

Congratulations! You have successfully identified all of the objects in our house that can affect indoor air quality.

Keep in mind the measures to prevent problems, and make sure you share what you've learned with your family and friends.