Air pollution doesn’t only happen on the roads and on the Tube.
It turns out that 46% of Brits don’t realise it is present in their homes too, according to new research from Breville.
As many as three in five of us believe air pollution only happens outside, and so don’t think about how to manage it inside.
Key culprits for causing air pollution include vaping indoors, having damp or mould, and even owning pets.
Why air pollution matters
Dr Ranj Singh says: ‘Indoor air pollution is a hidden danger even if you don’t have existing breathing problems, so it’s vital we educate ourselves on the causes.
‘Unlike outdoor pollution, which is directly related to vehicle emissions and industrial by-products, simple daily tasks and our habits can contribute to indoor air pollution, which can also be dangerous.
‘Everything from smoking indoors, to wood burning stoves and using cleaning products can increase the risk.’
Air pollution can worsen symptoms of asthma, COPD and bronchiectasis, as well as being linked to an increased risk of heart disease and strokes.
Signs of air pollution might be sneezing, having allergic reactions, itchy eyes, runny and blocked noses, and fatigue.
Simple ways to remove it from the home
Dr Ranj says: ‘We cannot completely eradicate indoor air pollution, but we can take steps to reduce it, including using household air purifiers.’
Dr Ranj Singh’s top tips for better indoor air quality
- Keep your rooms well-aired. Open your windows several times a day to let fresh air in, which is especially important when you are cooking.
- Vacuuming regularly may seem obvious but is especially important for those suffering from allergies and have carpeted floors. This will help to remove polluting particles and pet dander that contribute to indoor pollution.
- Keep your home smoke-free – this is not just about cigarettes. Incense, wood-burning stoves, etc, all emit carbon monoxide and cardon dioxide into the air, which further pollute the air we breathe.
- Make sure there are no leaks in your home as they can lead to a build-up of mould and mildew, which can worsen wheezing, coughing and asthma symptoms. Check your home for signs of mould or mildew and make sure that your bathroom has proper ventilation to prevent dampness, which also causes mould.
- Buy an air purifier.
Making your house less polluted can be done in the form of adding some greenery too.
If you’re making changes to benefit your health, you might want to go a step further and do something to improve your wellbeing too – hitting two health points at once.
Plants are known for their ability to boost mental health, helping to bring the outside in.
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