The Key to Healthy Indoor Air

As the days lengthen and winter comes to an end, the yearning to fling open our windows grows stronger. For many, winter signifies a time when our homes are sealed shut, trapping stale air within.

In this month’s journal, let’s talk about the significance of air quality.

Studies reveal that indoor air quality in the UK can be 3.5 times worse than the air outdoors. How can this be, amidst the hustle and bustle of our crowded cities?

It’s a culmination of factors; from cooking activities to the toxic residues lingering in household cleaning products, and the influx of outdoor pollutants hitching a ride indoors. Unlike outdoor spaces where pollutants disperse swiftly, indoors, they accumulate, creating a cocktail of contaminants.

Air pollution has been linked to diseases such as lung cancer and strokes, as well as impaired organ development and infant mortality. Although national and EU-wide rules set minimum standards for outdoor air but there is no comparative legislation specific to indoor air.  

In the times we spend so much of our life indoors, it’s time for us to take this seriously to protect our families.

VENTILATION

Keeping your home well ventilated is important for purging the build-up of pollutants. The first thing to do is to open your windows and doors but this is often not enough. Make sure you have adequate, up to date mechanical ventilation – an exhaust fan in the kitchen and mechanical ventilators in your bathrooms. Replace filters regularly.

MATERIALS

Choose chemical free materials especially on large surfaces i.e. walls and flooring. There are many natural paints available on the market. Avoid laminate worktops and vinyl flooring.

Your household cleaning products release toxins which cause sickness and asthma. Opt for environmentally friendly and healthy cleaning products. Store your chemicals outside of the home (in a shed) if you can.

MICROBES

Regular cleaning routines are pivotal. Consider adopting the practice of removing shoes at the doorstep to mitigate the entry of outdoor toxins. Utilise entry mats, opt for healthier flooring options, and uphold rigorous dusting and vacuuming practices. Damp-proof your home to deter the proliferation of pests and harmful microbes like bacteria and mould.

Indoor air quality is intrinsically intertwined with our well-being, and our commitment to researching and implementing optimal solutions for your projects remains steadfast. We’re here to guide you towards materials and suppliers best suited to uphold the health of your indoor environment.

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