In our daily lives, we often overlook the air we breathe. Did you know? Indoor air pollution is actually 2 to 5 times more dangerous than outdoor air pollution, yet people spend most of their time indoors (A’yun & Umaroh, 2023). How does this happen? It is often caused by air conditioning systems that do not function properly, allowing outdoor air pollution particles to enter the room, making the indoor air quality not much different from the outdoors (Kumparan, 2023).

The main sources of indoor air pollution include household combustion appliances (solid fuels, kerosene, or gas stoves) without adequate air circulation, tobacco smoke, building materials and furniture that can release harmful particles into the air (formaldehyde, asbestos, or lead), insects (mites, cockroaches) or pet dander that sticks to carpets and sofas, mold or pollen, the use of cleaning products containing chemicals, infrequently cleaned heating or cooling systems, and outdoor gases and pollutants (radon, pesticides, carbon monoxide) (Fadila, 2022). At least 5.5 to 7 million people die each year from breathing unhealthy air. 4 million of them die from breathing unhealthy air indoors (Higienis Indonesia, 2019).

Globally, data shows that the number of victims of indoor (household) air pollution is 3.2 million people annually. This pollution comes from fuels used indoors, such as for cooking and heating. Furthermore, it turns out that 99% of the population lives with poor air quality that is below WHO standards (Kemenkes RI, 2023).

The occurrence of deaths indicates that indoor air quality is just as dangerous as outdoor air quality. Respiratory diseases commonly caused by outdoor air pollution can also be triggered indoors. Even when we are inside, particles, substances, or pollutants from air pollution can also be present. The PM2.5 parameter, which is the benchmark for the quality of the air we breathe, can be found indoors. It can originate from industrial factory smoke, vehicle exhaust, and dust from unpaved roads (Kemenkes Ditjen P2P, 2023).

The impact of indoor pollution directly affects respiratory health, such as the onset of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) due to lung damage. This lung damage occurs due to the accumulation of indoor air pollution that we breathe. Then there is lung cancer, which is significantly caused by carbon monoxide as it contains carcinogenic compounds that trigger cancer (Esfandiari, SpP, 2023).

Maintaining indoor air quality is a crucial investment in health. Strategies to improve air quality include using technology like air purifiers with HEPA filters and utilizing indoor plants (NASA, 1989). However, public awareness and education about the health risks of indoor air pollution and how to address them—such as maintaining cleanliness, ensuring good ventilation, and avoiding the use of harmful products—are also very important (EPA, 2021). Governments, health organizations, and the media play a role in disseminating this information. By increasing awareness and taking appropriate action, we can create a healthier indoor environment for current and future generations.