TAKE A BREATH

Kevin Luo, senior air filtration officer at Blueair (blueair. com), on upping air quality

Q Why should we be concerned about air quality in the home?

A Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outside*. It’s made up of particles including dust, mould, smoke, bacteria, viruses, VOCS and pet dander, along with pollution from transport that makes its way inside. This build-up of pollutants takes longer to disperse due to poor ventilation. Breathing in fine dust or PM2.5 (also known as fine particulate matter) can penetrate the lungs and cause respiratory difficulties and heart and lung problems. Studies show it can also lead to skin problems. Clean air has many benefits, like better sleep and better productivity, and it can ultimately improve your overall health and wellness.

Q What can be done to improve our air?

A Easy ways to improve the air quality in our homes include opening windows and vacuuming often to capture particles trapped in carpets. Also cutting down on candles or using unnecessary chemicals, and opting for natural cleaning products, can help. You could also invest in an air purifier that’s been tested to remove at least 99.97 per cent of airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns.

Q Can the time of year affect air quality?

A You’ll find more allergens in some seasons. From May to September, pollen will be a cause of discomfort for many, and in the dry summer months there is more dust in the air. Generally speaking, in summer a room can be up to seven times more polluted than in winter. But during the colder months we must deal with the spread of cold and flu viruses as we spend more time indoors with windows closed and less ventilation. An air purifier is great for cleaning the air, removing everything from pollen and dust to viruses and bacteria. * U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1989