Good air quality in the home, workplace or school is essential for your health and well-being. Most people spend around 90% of their time indoors, where pollution levels can sometimes be worse than outside.
Breathing in poor-quality indoor air over long periods can affect your health. Clean indoor air reduces the risk of respiratory illnesses, allergies and asthma and supports long-term physical health and daily productivity. Breathing clean air also helps you to sleep better.
We want to help residents create healthier living environments; here are some simple steps you can take to protect your household.
Common causes of poor indoor air quality
Indoor air pollution comes from everyday household activities and building materials.
Damp and mould - caused by excess moisture from cooking, washing, and poor ventilation.
Combustion particles - released from wood-burning stoves, open fires, gas cookers, and tobacco smoke.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - chemical gases found in cleaning products, paints, carpets and air fresheners; vaping also releases VOCs.
Dust and allergens - built-up dust mites, pet allergens and outdoor pollen that enters the home.
Simple steps to improve your air quality
You can significantly improve your indoor air by making small changes to your daily routine.
Increase ventilation
Try to open windows for at least 10 minutes a day and keep trickle vents open, even during winter months.
Opening windows on opposite sides of your home can help create a through-draft that will flush out stale air.
Control moisture and condensation
Dry clothes outdoors or in a room with an open window.
Put lids on pans when cooking and wipe away condensation from windowsills when it appears.
Always use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
Dehumidifiers or moisture traps can be a good way to reduce household moisture levels to prevent mould and musty odours.
Reduce chemical use
Choose ‘low-VOC’ or ‘VOC-free’ paints and opt for liquid or cream cleaners instead of aerosol sprays.
Avoid heavily scented candles and chemical air fresheners.
Trap dust and allergens
Regular cleaning is the easiest way to stop dust and allergens building up. Vacuum your floors at least once a week and wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth so the dust doesn't just fly back into the air.
Washing your bedsheets on a hot cycle will destroy dust mites and lingering bacteria. Washing at lower temperatures saves on utility bills, but you should still periodically run a 60°C cycle (or clean your machine) to prevent mould buildup.
Maintain heating and appliances
Ensure gas appliances are regularly serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer and that chimneys are regularly swept if using an open fire or stove.
HETAS encourage having your chimney swept at least twice a year when burning wood and at least once a year when burning smokeless fuels.
Make sure that any wood burnt on a DEFRA-approved stove is ‘Ready to Burn’ to reduce harmful particulate matter emissions.
Be mindful of the rules for Smoke Control Areas.
Wash or replace grease filters on cooker hoods regularly so they clear cooking fumes properly.