What is indoor air quality and why should families be concerned about it?
Indoor air quality is the measure of airborne pollutants within our homes and buildings.
We spend about 90 percent of our time inside (70 percent at home). We need to know what’s in our air to make sure we aren’t breathing toxins every time we inhale. The hundreds of unseen pollutants trapped indoors can cause or exacerbate problems like asthma and allergies, headaches, eye, nose and throat irritations, and other serious conditions.
What constitutes safe and healthy air in the home?
The World Health Organisation, among other organisations, sets standards for indoor air pollutant levels. But for people who haven’t tested the air in their home, there are a few key characteristics that indicate healthy indoor air quality.
Safe and healthy air should be between 18-21C with 40-50 percent relative humidity. It should be well ventilated and as free from toxins as possible—both from the fabric of the house and the products used inside.
What specific factors contribute to indoor air pollutants?
Energy efficient homes that lack ventilation seal toxins inside, leading to poor air quality (this can be especially harmful in many newly built homes). Conversely, cold, damp houses can be havens for mould.
The behaviour of people within the home can also contribute to indoor air pollution, e.g. buying products that contain toxins (like air fresheners, scented toiletries or cleaners), blocking ventilation systems (air bricks or trickle vents), and drying clothes on radiators.
What are the symptoms of having an air quality problem in the home?
Symptoms of a sick house:
- Odd, unpleasant or synthetic smells
- Overheating or still, stuffy air
- Cold and damp
- Visible mould
- Condensation on windows
Symptoms of a sick family:
- Persistent coughs or congestion
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Persistent headaches
- Red, irritated eyes, sore throat
- Rashes or itchy skin
- An increased frequency of asthma attacks
How can indoor toxins affect a family’s health?
Indoor toxins can cause or exacerbate common health problems like asthma and allergies.
Research links pollutants like formaldehyde—commonly found in home furnishings and toiletries—to depression, dementia, Type-2 diabetes and cancer.
Studies by the RCPCH and NICE are underway to help us fully understand the degree to which indoor air quality can affect our health.
How can a family check the quality of the air in their home?
You should consider having your home checked by professionals to make sure the indoor air quality is healthy.
Airtopia offers a detailed test of common indoor pollutants including carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, VOCs, microscopic mould and thermal comfort. It’s quick, easy and accurate.
How can home air tests and reports be used to improve air quality in the home?
As with any test (like an MOT), you want to receive good news. We hope to provide customers peace of mind. But if an air test finds a problem, there are practical steps you can take.
An Airtopia report will identify the source of pollutants, which you can simply remove. If there is a more serious problem, e.g. damp, mould or ventilation, there are behaviour changes we can recommend or experts who can help you solve the problem.
Can houseplants really boost indoor air quality and if so, which ones work best for this?
NASA famously studied the impact of houseplants on air quality and found many that absorb chemicals and clean the air. Some experts believe you’d need a forest in your home to truly achieve a benefit; however, since plants contribute to both physical and mental well being, it can only help to have them in the home.
The best plants for IAQ include the peace lily, English ivy, Barberton daisy, aloe vera, variegated snake plant, Janet Craig, chrysanthemum and bamboo palm. For more information, check our website.
What are some other ways to improve air quality in the home?
● Open windows (or vents) even in the winter and especially after decorating or buying new furnishings. Open when it’s quiet outside if you live on a busy street.
● Keep air vents unblocked.
● Use extractor fans—and replace them every five years.
● Keep mechanical ventilation systems turned on.
● Buy natural products (decorative, cleaning, toiletries and fabrics).
● Allow furnishings to offgas outside or near an open window.
● Light wood burners on special occasions only.
● Wash new clothes and sheets before using.
● Vacuum and dust regularly—even hard to reach areas.
● Don’t dry clothes on the radiator.
● Don’t forget to get your air tested so you know for certain how to keep your home healthy!
How could more people paying attention to indoor air quality benefit the UK?
If steps were taken on a large scale to improve IAQ, it could potentially save 9,000 lives a year, save the NHS billions of pounds and help improve the nation’s productivity.
But if each of us understood our own indoor air quality better, we could make small changes that could improve how we feel every day and give our children a chance to grow up healthier and, thus, happier.
Visit: www.airtopia.co.uk
See Also:
How Clean Is Your Air At Home?
