HEALTHY AIR
QI’ve read that indoor air quality can be between two and five times more polluted than the air outside. Why is this? And how can I keep the environment in my home cleaner?
AHealth and well-being are gaining importance for everyone, and new guides, such as the WELL Building Standard, are becoming more widely known for promoting healthy indoor environments.
Many factors can contribute to poor air quality within a building, from pollutants on shoes and proximity to main roads to materials and products within the construction itself. Paints, carpets and furniture can contain airborne chemicals, some with adverse health effects, so choose furniture and products with low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to help avoid bringing some pollutants into your home.
Natural cleaning products, such as those from Bio D, Method and Ecover, are believed to be better for you, your home and its air quality. And even plants can help. The NASA Clean Air Study showed that some plants help to filter out harmful toxins. English ivy, mother-in-law’s tongue, peace lilies and chrysanthemums are particularly effective.
Keeping your home well-ventilated is key. Open windows whenever possible or invest in continuous running extraction fans, or a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter system, which can absorb up to 99.9 per cent of contaminants. Prices range from £80 to £600.
Finally, damp and mould can also have an impact. You can improve ventilation and use dehumidifiers to prevent damp, but with so many possible reasons for mould, it’s best to consult an expert if it’s getting out of hand. Some moulds can be toxic and may cause health problems if left or removed incorrectly.