The World Health Organisation has stated that air pollution is the world’s largest single environmental health risk. We all drive around in cars that have filters to screen out dust and airborne pollution, yet we go home and sit around breathing a pollution soup. How can we make the air quality in our homes as good as in our cars? Of course, there is a bit of irony here. These cars that are doing such a good job of cleaning the air for passengers are also creating some of the pollution in the air outside.
Insulated homes trap air pollution
It’s a fact that while we have made our homes double insulated, energy-efficient and draught-free, we haven’t considered what that means in terms of air quality and pollution build-up within the home. We are constantly bringing biological contaminants into our home from the outside world. These can include viruses, bacteria, mould, animal dander, pollen and more. Let’s not even get started on what our dogs and cats bring in on their paws!
Some domestic pollutants, such as mildew, are the result of environmental conditions within the home. Cross–ventilation, in which windows are opened to create a through draught, can work miracles in houses affected by mould, mildew, condensation and stale air. Sure, this can let pollen into the house, but you need to take a proportionate view of this unless you suffer from very bad pollen allergies.
What can we do to improve air quality?
First, ventilate your home using the simple measure of opening windows. Airing the house regularly is a really good way to clear it of damp and viruses.
Next, clean it. Regular hoovering can reduce animal dander, human hair and skin particles. If you have a dust collector system, replace the diaphragm valves regularly. https://www.dustspares.co.uk/Diaphragm-Valves/.
Your washing machine is also a handy host for all kinds of bacteria, so don’t wash all the time at very low temperatures. Run washes at a temperature as hot as the fabrics will take to reduce bacteria. This is particularly important when it comes to pet bedding.
These steps should keep the air in your house healthy and wholesome and reduce allergic reactions and breathing problems in your family and guests.