2020-05-01_Good_Health

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.

Exper

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