A Clean up your act (and boost your health)
The effects of indoor pollution are estimated to cause up to 40,000 early deaths in Britain every year. Michele O’Connor reveals how you can spring clean your way to better health
IR pollution indoors is causing an epidemic of respiratory disease. The UK has the highest rates in Europe and the number of people diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has risen 27 per cent in the last decade.
There are many causes of indoor pollution, says Tim Robinson, head of science at Airtopia, a social enterprise aimed at improving air quality.
He said: “Building materials, paints, varnishes, carpets – products with an associated odour – are linked to VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which can harm people with respiratory conditions, such as babies and young children.
“Care products, from plug-in air fresheners to aerosols, dry cleaning solvents, allergens (pollen, mould etc) and combustion gases from cooking are also factors.” So how can you make your home healthier?
Living room
Ditch artificial air fresheners:
The global market for these could reach £10million by 2023. But while the make-up of different brands and types of air fresheners will vary, many release chemicals such as benzene, hydrocarbon toluene, formaldehyde and plasticizer phthalates, warns Tim.
Over-exposure to VOCs can lead to eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, a general feeling of illness and, long-term, can cause respiratory and lung damage.
Tim said: “Air-freshening products mask unpleasant odours in buildings. But if you’re using them to cover up a musty or musky aroma look for signs of mould and deal with that.” Chop cheap candles:
Paraffin wax candles have been found to produce higher levels of toxins than other wax types. Choose candles with a “soot-free” wick made of cotton or wood and clean-burning waxes like soy, beeswax or coconut. Don’t dry clothes on radiators:
This can raise moisture levels by 30 per cent, creating breeding grounds for mould spores – a health risk to people with weak immune systems. Burn it better: A wood-burning stove emits more polluting particles an hour than a diesel truck. The Government plans to ban the sale of the most polluting fuels and ensure only the cleanest stoves are on sale by 2022. Visit burnright.co.uk for information on fuel and stove usage.
Bedroom
Ban pets:
More than half of all dog and cat owners say their pet disrupts their sleep nightly, while dander from fur can cause allergies. Vacuum your bed:
It could harbour 1.5million dust mites that trigger asthma and allergies, warns environmental health expert Dr Lisa Ackerley. So vacuum mattresses and pillows regularly. Thermostat:
A cool 16-18C is considered an ideal bedroom temperature, says the National Sleep Foundation. Over 24C is likely to cause restlessness, while a cold room about 12C will make it hard to drop off. Buy house plants:
There are several that can absorb nasty toxins, such as peace lilies, aloe vera, Boston ferns and spider plants, says Claire Bishop, houseplant buyer at Dobbies Garden Centres.
Kitchen
Open up:
Keep windows flung wide and use the extractor fan when cooking, suggests Tim.
Adjust your toaster:
The Foods Standards Agency says burnt toast produces toxic chemical acrylamide, which may be linked to cancer. Read the label:
Many everyday cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds, which may irritate the throat and lungs when they evaporate, especially sprays. Look for “allergy-friendly” products which have lower levels of VOCs. Upgrade your pans:
Research shows 37 per cent of us cook with blistered, peeling or scratched non-stick pans that may lead to toxic chemicals released from the coatings. Ceramic
DOG-GONE Banish pets from bedroom cookware offers a good alternative.
Bathroom
Skip the sog:
Bacteria, mould and dust mites love bath mats and shower curtains. Dry yourself in the shower rather than drip on the mat. Sharing isn’t caring:
Give each family member their own towel – and wash at high temperatures to kill germs. It’s all in the head:
Don’t forget the shower head when cleaning your bathroom. American scientists found they contain high levels of the bacteria mycobacterium avium which can cause lung infections. Cabinet clear-out:
Don’t store medicines or make-up in the bathroom. The heat and humidity cause deterioration and moisture can spur bacteria growth. Totally fuming:
Certain products which are safe when used alone can sometimes cause harmful fumes or other chemical reactions when mixed with other products. The key example is bleach and toilet cleaner.