What are some typical pollutants that ventilation aims to dilute in a home?

Ventilation in a home serves a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality by diluting and removing various pollutants that can accumulate within an enclosed space. Among the typical pollutants that ventilation aims to address, carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are significant.

Carbon dioxide is primarily generated by human respiration and can accumulate in poorly ventilated spaces, leading to discomfort and potential health issues, such as headaches or fatigue. Ventilation systems help to maintain a safe and comfortable level of this gas by bringing in fresh outdoor air.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted from a variety of household products, including paints, solvents, cleaning agents, and even furnishings. These compounds can have both short-term and long-term health effects, contributing to respiratory problems and other health concerns. Effective ventilation reduces the concentration of these harmful substances, thereby improving indoor air quality.

While dust and sediments do settle in homes and can affect air quality, ventilation primarily focuses on gases and particulates that pose more immediate health risks. Odors and smoke can also be mitigated by ventilation, but the emphasis in this context is on the exchange of air that dilutes harmful concentrations. Noise and electromagnetic waves are generally not considered pollutants related to indoor air quality, as they pertain to