Regardless of how much you like the fresh outdoors, you still spend quite a big chunk of your day inside – whether it’s your office or your home. So, the indoor air quality is pretty important. On days when you’re inside – whether hot, cold or rainy – you will quickly notice the effects of air conditioning and a lack of fresh air on how you think and feel.
In fact, poor indoor air quality is detrimental to one’s health, especially those in the most vulnerable category, namely the sick, elderly, and children.
The effects of poor air quality
There’s a whole range of health effects when it comes to poor indoor air quality. From short-term effects such as eye irritation and sore throats to long-term issues such as respiratory diseases and even some cancers. Asthma and allergies are highly sensitive to air quality so having poor quality indoors can heighten the risk of developing these issues or, if you already suffer from them, can aggravate the symptoms.
There are some signs to look out for to determine whether the indoor air quality is poor such as:
- coughing
- sneezing
- itchy and watery eyes
- dizziness
- headaches
- congestion
- fatigue
- asthma
Importantly, all of these signs and symptoms can be attributed to other issues, such as allergies, stress or a simply cold. The key indicator that the symptoms may be caused by the air quality is if you notice relief, even slightly, after leaving a room.
Exposure to air pollutants
Of course, any home or office will be exposed to air pollutants, but it is important to be aware of any hazardous substances or allergens. Even something as simple as household products fall into this category. For example, as you clean the house, the products you use generally emit a scent, contributing to the air quality in the room. If there are construction sites around and windows are open, the dust and smells from the construction materials and processes can enter into the home, significantly affecting the quality of air.
When it comes to air pollutants finding their way into your body, there three main ways this can happen – the air pollutant can be breathed in, it can be swallowed or it can be absorbed through the skin. Of course, the body does have a defence system against airborne substances, part of which is the skin. The liver and the immune system also fight off substances, however some substances still find their way through.
How to control your air quality
There’s no denying that fumes and dust accumulate indoors, both of which largely impact our air quality. However, there are things you can do to improve it, and help your health. In fact, what you do inside the home can greatly impact the health of your indoor environment. Here’s some things you can do to improve your air quality.
Smoking
If you’re a smoker, avoid smoking indoors. The smoke from cigarettes and cigars is absorbed into furniture, blinds, comforters and even the carpet and rugs. This means whenever you are nearby these things (which, let’s face it, is almost all the time), you’re breathing in that polluted air.
Dust frequently
Nobody likes dusting but it’s a necessary component of keeping a clean house, and ensuring air quality is kept up to scratch. As with smoking, dust settles on furniture, in carpets, on ceiling fans, and even on skirting boards. People with allergies will be the first ones to tell you that dust has an enormous effect on the quality of the air. In fact, many people with allergies will probably be able to walk into a home and within seconds, feel how dusty it is.
Turn off the car
You may be running into the house for mere seconds to pick something up but always turn your car off. Regardless of the fact that it’s in the garage or driveway and you’re in the house, by opening and closing the door between the two areas, you’re letting those fumes in. And those fumes can be extremely toxic and even deadly. In fact, when it comes to any fumes, a good tip is this: if it smells bad, it probably is.
Beware of mould
In some areas it’s difficult to control the water build up. Bathrooms are the perfect example. However, keeping on top of mould build-up is exceptionally important. Mould can aggravate asthma and can cause irritation of the nasal passages, among other things. Use anti-mould products when you can and always wipe down surfaces properly, especially window sills that may get wet from time to time. Remember, also, to always open windows and/or doors when using anti-mould products (or any cleaning products).
Watch out for combustion products
While charming to look at, fireplaces can actually have a huge impact on the air quality of your home, letting in ash, smoke, and soot particles. Additionally, heaters burning wood, coal, gas or kerosene; gas cooking appliances; and hobbies such as welding and soldering can cause combustion products to get inside your home. To combat this, always use ventilation when using a heater or cooking, keep your chimney clear and clean, ensure all doors are tightly sealed so no exhaust fumes enter the home, and service appliances regularly.
Beware when renovating
Finally, if renovating, beware of exposure to lead. Many older buildings contain lead and many older household products, such as old paint, old fittings and old electrical cabling can contain lead. The problem arises when small particles or fumes are swallowed or inhaled. Most of the time, contact with lead particles occurs when renovating, for example, stripping old paint. Always seek advice if concerned before proceeding with renovations.
When it comes to poor air quality the important thing to remember is this: it’s not always the amount of exposure to poor air quality that has the greatest impact. The duration of the exposure is also hugely important. Low-level exposure over a number of years can be just as bad as immediate exposure to large quantities. If in doubt, call in the experts.
Improve airflow
Mold, dust and allergens can accumulate in your home, especially with air conditioning. Good design and the installation of screens encourages convection currents to flush out stale air and draw in fresh air. If you find yourself closing windows for security reasons, security screens will fit your needs. Having the right screens on your doors and windows will greatly improve the airflow in your home, helping to improve airflow and limit pollutants entering your home. If you want to breathe easier indoors, talk to the experts at Artilux about your screening needs.
