Is Your Home’s Air Making You Sick? Simple Changes to Improve Air Quality

This post is contributed by Evoke Polished Plastering (evokepolishedplastering.co.uk/) providing premium wall finishes for healthier living environments.

Indoor air quality is a critical factor that significantly impacts your health and well-being. According to a 2023 report by the UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the average UK home contains up to 12 times more pollutants than the outdoor environment. This alarming statistic underscores the importance of understanding and improving the air we breathe indoors. With the majority of our daily activities—whether working, relaxing, or sleeping—taking place indoors, the quality of indoor air is paramount for maintaining good health.

This article explores how indoor air quality can affect your health and offers tips for improving it through design options like wall finishes.

How Poor Air Quality Impacts Health?

The air inside our houses may be much more contaminated than outside, even in major cities. This is a general issue that affects us all. Hence, the longer you remain indoors, the greater your chances of experiencing the consequences of low indoor air quality.

Studies have revealed that indoor air can be up to 10 times more polluted than outdoor air, exposing residents to various health risks. As we spend a significant portion of our time indoors, ensuring high-quality air within our living spaces is paramount.

Exposure to poor indoor air quality can lead to a range of health issues, including:

• Frequent Headaches: Chronic exposure to pollutants can trigger persistent headaches.
• Watery Eyes: Irritants in the air may cause redness and excessive tearing.
• Persistent Coughing: Continuous inhalation of allergens and pollutants can lead to ongoing coughing.
• Chronic Fatigue: Poor air quality can result in constant tiredness and lack of energy.
• Skin Irritation and Rashes: Certain airborne chemicals and allergens can cause skin-related problems.

Simple Ways to Improve Air Quality

Here are some simple ways to improve your poor indoor air quality, which will help you make smarter design decisions, especially regarding wall finishes.

• Improve Ventilation

The first and most important way to improve your air quality is to address the poor air quality at your home. Proper ventilation can keep your home fresh. You can start improving your air quality by opening up your windows whenever possible, particularly when cooking in the kitchen or using chemicals. When the outside air quality is low, purchasing mechanical ventilation systems for homes to clean and filter the air may be beneficial.

• Invest in Air Purifiers

Air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters are effective in trapping airborne particles such as dust, pet dander, and allergens. Benefits include:

• Improved Health: Reduces exposure to harmful particles, benefiting those with asthma or allergies.
• Cleaner Environment: Maintains a healthier living space by continuously filtering the air.

• Choose Hypoallergenic Materials

Selecting the right materials for your home plays a pivotal role in maintaining good air quality. 

Here’s how:

• Low-VOC Paints and Finishes: Traditional paints often emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that can linger in your home, degrading air quality. Opting for low- or zero-VOC paints minimises these harmful emissions. Consider using low- or zero-VOC paints to minimise exposure to harmful chemicals and create a safer home environment for your family.
• Hypoallergenic Fabrics: Using natural, hypoallergenic fabrics for curtains, upholstery, and bedding reduces the accumulation of dust and allergens, creating a healthier indoor environment. Rugs made from natural materials like wool, cotton, or jute are environmentally friendly, less prone to trapping dust and allergens, and inhibit moisture and mold development. They also offer a cushioned feel and create a cosy atmosphere in your living space.
• Polished Plaster: Unlike conventional wall finishes, polished plaster is hypoallergenic and eco-friendly. It is free from harmful chemicals and VOCs, making it an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality. Additionally, its breathable nature helps regulate humidity levels, preventing mold and mildew growth.

Incorporating hypoallergenic and eco-friendly material into your home’s design can enhance your well-being and relaxation. These items not only improve your home’s visual attractiveness but also improve air quality and promote sustainable living.

Research shows that the selection of materials in our homes can influence our general health by minimising allergens and toxic substances that may build up indoors.

Making small changes can significantly improve air quality and your overall health. Choosing suitable materials for your living space promotes physical and mental well-being, creating a comfortable environment. These adjustments show dedication to sustainability and well-being, leading to healthier living for you and your loved ones.

Conclusion

Improving the air quality in your home is achievable through simple yet effective design choices. Enhancing ventilation, investing in quality air purifiers, and selecting hypoallergenic materials like polished plaster can create a healthier living environment. These changes not only contribute to better health but also enhance the beauty and comfort of your home.