Regular exercise and a balanced diet are the cornerstones of a healthy life. However, one area many of us overlook when it comes to our overall health and well-being is the quality of the air we breathe. A Parliamentary report reveals that people now spend as much as 80% to 90% of their time indoors where pollutants like building materials, cooking and heating appliances, and damp and mould can lower the air quality and in some cases, increase the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular illness, cognitive impairment and certain cancers.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), household air pollution was responsible for an estimated 3.2 million deaths in 2020, highlighting the importance of indoor air quality. In this article, we’ll explore some practical steps you can take to improve your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ), boosting your health, well-being and overall enjoyment of your living space.
Use an Air Purifier
Air purifiers trap fine particles and pollutants from the air, releasing cleaner, filtered air back into your environment. These affordable devices can filter dust, pollen, bacteria, odours and other pollutants from the air helping to keep your IAQ clean and healthier for you and your family.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your home clean is one of the best ways to ensure pollutants such as dust, pollen and allergens do not accumulate and lower the IAQ of your home. Instead of using cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals and toxins that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, naturally-based, non-toxic products such as vinegar, and baking soda, can effectively clean your home while helping to maintain healthier IAQ.
Good Ventilation
Ventilating your home can significantly improve its IAQ by allowing fresh outdoor air to circulate, and reducing the buildup of indoor pollutants. Opening your windows and doors regularly can make your indoor environment healthier and more breathable by reducing the concentration of pollutants and will also prevent moisture from building up, which can contribute to mould, bacteria and dampness which can greatly affect IAQ in your home.
Smoke vents can also improve the daily air circulation in your home and can naturally ventilate it allowing various pollutants and moisture to escape while bringing in fresh air to enhance indoor air quality.
Maintain Healthy Humidity
High humidity levels in your home can cause mold, mildew and other types of bacteria to grow, all of which can negatively impact the IAQ of your home. By maintaining humidity levels at around 30% to 50% you can help reduce moisture and prevent the growth of harmful organisms, ensuring healthy indoor air.
Benefits of Good IAQ
By taking the steps outlined you can also reap the following benefits:
- Improved respiratory health: Good IAQ can improve respiratory health and reduce the risk of allergies, asthma, and lung infections.
- Increased energy: Good IAQ can boost mental clarity and energy levels.
- Improved sleep: Studies have shown the importance of IAQ in relation to sleep quality.
- Better mental health: Studies also reveal how the air we breathe impacts our mental health and well-being highlighting the connection between healthy IAQ and a healthy mind.
Put these tips into practice and experience the many benefits that cleaner and healthier IAQ can offer you.
