We all know the hazards of poor ventilation in the workplace. Without a sufficient supply of fresh clean air, the people working within are more likely to be affected by fatigue; discomfort and distraction. Continuous exposure to poor indoor air quality can lead to more serious long term ailments. At home, the effects of poor ventilation will also rear their ugly heads impacting the people within on a short and long term basis. We recently covered the dangers of black mould on your window frames. We’re back to reveal what poor ventilation could mean for your wider health and well-being.
Asthma and respiratory problems
Incorrectly or poorly ventilated homes do nothing to help us breathe more easily. Asthma and respiratory issues linked to poor ventilation are on the rise, with modern airtight new builds causing an increase in cases across the country. Without the right ventilation airborne contaminants that exacerbate asthma symptoms can become a major issue. Life brings about a number of asthma triggers, with central heating; open fires; carpets; cleaning; decorating and building work all having the potential to produce symptoms. It’s just one of the many reasons that good ventilation matters, as Asthma UK describes:
“Keeping your home well ventilated by opening windows or using extractor fans reduces humidity. Less humidity means fewer house dust mites and mould spores. Good ventilation also helps get rid of gases produced by heating and cooking. Opening a window is better than using a fan, or extractor fan. Fans or extractor fans need to be put in the right place so they don’t just blow allergens around the room.”
Allergies
Hay fever season may be over for the year but poor indoor air quality caused by lack of ventilation could mean allergies are triggered again. Coughing; sneezing; eye irritation; fatigue; dizziness and headaches can all occur due to the rise of pollutants within your home. Opening a window or vent could help relieve your home of some of these pollutants and keep allergies under control.
Long term health issues
Continuous exposure to poorly ventilated, contaminated air can cause the high humidity levels that make it impossible to stay in good health. Mould; mites and mildew all thrive in high humidity with prolonged exposure resulting in eczema; nervous system damage and even cancer. In short, better indoor air quality means a healthier setting for you and your family, so don’t put up with poor ventilation.
Improving your home’s ventilation
There are a variety of steps you can take to improve your home’s ventilation and boost indoor air quality for good. Ridding your home of condensation is an excellent place to start. Altering your humidity-creating habits can also make a big difference to the ventilation quality. It all begins in the high humidity areas of the home. The kitchen, for example, should be well ventilated when you’re cooking, washing or drying wet clothes. Additionally, you should open a window, turn on an extractor fan or open a vent when taking a bath or shower.
With winter on its way you may not be able to open the windows to encourage air flow as much as you’d like. Strike the right balance between heating and ventilating your home for the best results.