informed
W
e sometimes focus so much
on fi nding time to get
outside to enjoy the fresh
air that we can neglect thinking about
the quality of the air circulating in
our indoor living spaces, which
becomes increasingly important as
we move into the cooler seasons.
The quality of the air in your home
can have a signifi cant impact on how
you feel, the ease of which you can
breathe, and your overall health.
According to immuno-pharmacology
professor Stephen Holgate, many
people are completely unaware that
the air inside some homes is often
more polluted than the atmosphere
outside, due to dust, mould, allergens
and chemicals.
Indoor pollution can increase your
risk of asthma, colds, hay fever, sinus
irritation, headaches, nausea and cause
skin conditions and ageing as a result
of blocked pores and oxidative stress.
In the long term, polluted air has even
been linked to liver or kidney disease
cardiovascular disease, damage of the
central nervous system and cancer.
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How to improve your indoor air quality
» Dampness and mould can trigger asthma and cause other respiratory
diseases, and also releases toxins that can a ect mental performance, vision and
balance. Check your fridge, bathroom, window frames and the clothes in your
wardrobe, looking out for condensation, dampness or mould. If you spot any,
there are several things that can make a big di erence. Open doors and windows
regularly, buy a dehumidifi er or air purifi er, or do some research into a home
ventilation system.
» Pollution from vehicles outside can irritate your airways and eyes, and
severe pollution can even have an e ect on vision and learning. If you live near a
busy road or motorway, try to open your windows during times of the day when
the roads are quieter to minimise fumes, especially if you have young children.
» After a home renovation, things like paint, new carpet or upholstery,
building materials, or cleaning products can all leach more chemicals into the air.
It’s wise to stay out of any renovation zones, and opt for non-toxic furnishings,
bedding and paint as much as you can.
» Perfumes, air fresheners, soaps and scented candles are a lovely touch, but
artifi cial fragrances don’t agree with everyone. If you don’t feel well after using
certain products, consider trying a non-toxic or organic alternative, and there are
plenty of fragrance-free natural cleaning products available.
» For something a little more decorative than a dehumidifi er, there are many
gorgeous indoor plants that can improve indoor air quality, including rubber
plants, palm trees, English ivy and Boston ferns.
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