Syarahan Awam: Program Pencegahan Keracunan Kebangsaan (PPKK), Pusat Racun Negara, USM 2025

This official report, titled "The Silent Poison in Your Home: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and The Complete Defense Plan," is published by the National Poison Centre (PRN), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), as part of the 2025 National Poison Prevention Program (PPKK) initiative. The author is Ts. Dr. Syazwan Aizat Bin Ismail, an Environmental Toxicologist & Health Scientist at PRN, USM. The main purpose of this publication is to present the shocking reality that most individuals spend up to 90% of their lives indoors, yet the indoor air quality (IAQ) in these spaces can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air outside. This phenomenon, often termed the "silent poison," is a hidden health threat. The report uncovers the identity of the '5 Squads of Air Criminals', including ultra-fine Particulate Matter PM2.5 from cooking smoke and cigarette smoke, Toxic Chemicals such as VOCs and PFAS (Forever Chemicals) from furniture and non-stick cookware, and Invisible Biological agents like mold, spores, and dust mites, which are major allergens in humid climates. It also gives special focus on why children are the most vulnerable group due to their higher breathing rate and still-developing organ systems. As a defense plan, the report outlines a practical 3-Layer Defense Plan: (1) Eliminate the Source (Prevention) by avoiding in-house smoking and choosing low-VOC products, (2) Enhance Ventilation & Control Environment (Dilution) by opening windows and controlling moisture, and (3) Filter & Monitor (Technology) by using HEPA air purifiers and Smart Air Sensors for real-time monitoring. The author advocates for the proactive use of data and smart monitoring technology, as human senses fail to detect pollutants like CO and PM2.5. Finally, the report issues a call to action, inviting readers to join the PPKK Community Scientist Mission to help collect real IAQ data, contributing to the construction of the first National Indoor Air Quality Map in Malaysia