Indoor air pollution

Just like outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution can pose a risk to health. As we spend much time in our homes, it is important that the air is as clean as possible. Indoor air pollution can come from sources outside the home, such as emissions from transport or smoke from neighbouring wood heaters, and from sources within homes.

Common air pollutants in homes

• Particulate matter (particles or PM2.5 and PM10)
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
• Carbon monoxide (CO)

Common sources of indoor air pollution

• Tobacco smoke
• Wood-burning heaters
• Unflued gas heaters
• Mould

How to reduce or limit exposure to indoor air pollution

• Don’t smoke indoors
• Regularly ventilate your home to remove indoor pollutants and build up of moisture. Turn on exhaust fans, particularly when bathing, showering, cooking, doing laundry and drying clothes.
• Don’t use wood-fired stoves and wood-burning heaters (fire places) in your home if possible. If you do use a wood-burning heater, follow the recommendations on our factsheet on wood-burning heaters to minimise air pollution
• Don’t use unflued gas heaters if possible. If you do use an unflued gas heater, follow the recommendations on our factsheet on unflued gas heaters
• Install a kitchen exhaust fan above your gas cook top if possible
• Consider limiting burning candles and incense
• Don’t use ozone generators for managing indoor air pollution or odour problems

Further information

For more information on wood-burning heaters, unflued gas heaters, mould or ozone generators, please visit our section on air quality fact sheets.

For information related to air quality in the workplace, please see WorkCover NSW or Safe Work Australia.