How to improve poor air quality in your home

Pollution in our homes from gases, damp and mould, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter is a growing cause for concern amongst those wishing to keep their home and family healthy. So, what can you do to improve the air quality in your home? Quality Electrician are your local, expert electrician in Morley. We’ve put together this guide to help you improve poor air quality in your home.

Health impacts of poor air quality

Most of us know that pollution is bad for our health, but most of us assume the danger comes from outside the home - from vehicle fumes and heavy industry. So, what impact does poor indoor air quality have on your family’s health? The major risk is to your lung health. Those who suffer with asthma, heart disease or lung conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of pollutants within the home. Many people will find they are more susceptible to asthma attacks or heightened allergic responses and will find it harder to recover from coughs and colds. This puts strain on an already stressed immune system and can make you quite ill.

Causes of poor air quality

As we previously mentioned, there are four main causes of poor air quality in your Morley area home. These are gases, particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) and damp and mould. Let’s take a look at each in more detail:

Gases: There are three gases that are produced by fuel burning appliances in your home that can cause poor air quality. They are carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Both carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide are produced by the normal operation of gas stoves. If ventilation is poor in the area they are used, carbon dioxide can cause drowsiness and dizziness and nitrogen dioxide can increase the sensitivity of your airways, making it particularly bad news for those with asthma or allergies. Carbon monoxide is produced when a fuel is burnt without sufficient oxygen, usually the culprit is a poorly maintained gas heater or boiler. Carbon monoxide is a potentially deadly gas. You cannot smell it, see it, or taste it - the only way to effectively detect carbon monoxide is to use a reliable, properly installed carbon monoxide detector.

Particulate matter: Particulate matter is produced when you burn something within you Morley home. This could be from a wood fire, a candle – or even when you burn your toast! To remove this pollutant from your home you need to ensure good ventilation and employ the correct cleaning methods. Damp dusting and using a vacuum with good suction will help.

Volatile Organic Compounds: These are chemicals found in many of the items we use within our homes. That heady smell from a freshly painted room and the powerful blast of scent from your bathroom cleaner are both caused by VOC’s. VOCs evaporate into the air, and we then breathe them in. There are different risk levels associated with different VOCs, with some being higher risks to health than others. High levels of exposure to VOCs can cause irritation and headaches, and in extreme cases, VOCs are carcinogenic.

Damp and Mould: Damp and mould form in your home when excess moisture is produced and has no means of escape. This moisture forms condensation in a cool spot in your Morley home, this becomes a damp spot, and then mould occurs. Mould spores can cause serious health issues for many people, with the very young, very old and those with lung issues being the worst affected.

Tips to improve poor air quality in your home

There are several steps you can take to improve the air quality in your Morley home – some straightforward and others that may require a little assistance.

1. Open your windows – Try to open your windows wide for at least 10 minutes a day to allow fresh air in and stale air out. Make sure to open windows when decorating, cooking, cleaning and bathing.
2. Use less harsh chemicals for cleaning – Switch cleaning products to those that are less scented and less polluting. Many jobs around the house can be carried out just as effectively with baking soda and white vinegar – great for the environment and your pocket too!
3. Use a cooker hood and bathroom extractor fan - Cooking up a storm in the kitchen – remember to turn on the cooker hood. Taking an everything shower? Turn on your bathroom extractor, it will make a huge difference to the humidity (and potential mould) in your Morley home. If you haven’t got either of these essentials in your home, contact your local electrician to install one.
4. Keep your home clean– Make sure you vacuum regularly and keep dust at bay with a damp duster. Make sure to regularly clean bedding – for both humans and pets and consider having you carpets professionally cleaned on a yearly basis. It’s also a good idea to take your shoes off at the door, you’d be surprised how many pollutants and allergens come in via your feet.
5. Keep your home warm - Keeping your home at a regular temperature of around 18 degrees will help to keep damp and mould from forming and will make it easier for you to breathe – cold air makes lungs work harder.

If you would like any further advice or information, please get in touch with us here at Quality Electrician. We are your local, fully qualified and NICEIC registered electrician in Morley. We are always happy to answer your questions.