Most people have already been made aware of just how important it is to work towards a cleaner environment. With news of just how much plastic we throw away and how much carbon monoxide our vehicles are emitting, it’s clear that action needs to be taken. But just how much do we know about the pollution in our own homes?
Not many people are aware of this, but the air in our homes and the air outside are exactly the same, meaning that they contain the same levels of pollution. Since we spend almost 90% of our time in our homes or at work, it’s important to take steps to improve the air quality. We’re here with Daikin, who can supply you with a more energy efficient gas boiler, to tell you more:
What causes poor air quality?
So, let’s explore some of the main cases of poor air quality. An article by the British Lung Foundation noted that ventilation, temperature, damp, cooking, smoking, pets, cleaning products, and pollution from outside all build up within our homes. It’s worth opening the windows of your home for at least a little time every day, especially when you’re cooking. Check your home for damp too — this can cause myriad health problems, so you’ll want to treat it as soon as possible if found.
Unfortunately, although scented candles have become extremely popular over the past five years, they come with a few risks to your health. The chemicals used to perfume candles for their scent can contain harmful substances like benzene and toluene. The same goes for air fresheners, regardless of if they are spray or plug-in. The fresh scent is achieved by chemicals, which you let into your home when you use them, so if you’re looking to freshen up, best stick to opening the windows and cleaning the home with natural products.
If you use cleaning products that come in a spray bottle, you should be aware that they can cause chemicals to spray into the air. It’s better to opt for liquid cleaners that you can pour as much as you need. Consider other sprays too (deodorant, hair spray, etc) and only use them in well-ventilated areas.
How does air pollution affect your health?
Air pollution can lead to a range of health problems. Also known as Toxic House Syndrome, the NHS have listed some potential causes for symptoms of this little-known ailment. Dust, smoke, bad ventilation, and inadequately maintained air conditioning units are all cited as potentially contributing towards the problem.
According to the WHO, the following risks are associated with toxic air in the home:
- Stroke
- Pneumonia
- Ischaemic heart disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Lung cancer
Though the impact of toxic household air is more apparent in poor and low-income countries, who still use solid fuels like wood, waste, and charcoal, more developed countries are still adding to their indoor pollutants.
How can we work towards a cleaner environment at home?
So, you now know the risks of chemical air fresheners and scented candles. But you still need a way to freshen up your home without having the windows open all the time, right? Luckily, there are loads of natural air fresheners you can make, and they’re very easy to create. The Natural Penguin offers loads of great ideas — we’re particularly fond of the oil-scented wood blocks, they’re simple and would look boho-chic in a glass bowl mixed with some dried flowers or glass pebbles.
You should also consider investing in a plant or two. NASA has even conducted a study of the best air-purifying plants out there; try some aloe vera in the bedroom, or a spider plant in the kitchen! Ask your employer if it’s possible to bring some greenery into the office too.
If you’re willing to invest, an air purification system can do wonders for air quality. These powerful systems actively filter the air you breathe, capturing any harmful particles or pollutants and keeping the air as fresh as possible. Air purifiers can help lower allergy and asthma symptoms, as well as reduce the number of bacteria in the air you breathe. They’re also a great way to neutralise odours without resorting to harmful air fresheners.
