Why Indoor Air Quality in Irish Homes is Worse Than You Think – And How to Fix It
Did you know that the quality of the air in your home can make a big difference to your health? The obvious outdoor pollutants, such as traffic fumes and industrial waste, can have lasting effects on respiratory health, but the effects of indoor air can also cause significant problems, with some research even suggesting that indoor air can be more harmful to health.
In Ireland, many of our homes are older and prone to humidity and condensation, as well as mould that is more common at certain times of the year. Our climate tends to be damp, and this can have a detrimental effect on respiratory health, especially in conditions such as asthma and COPD. However, even without a chronic condition such as this, poor indoor air quality can lead to coughs, allergies and irritation of the sinuses.
Why Irish Homes May Have Poor Air Quality
If you are keen to improve your respiratory health, there are many things you can do to clean up the air in your home. Here’s why Irish homes may be prone to poor air quality:
• The Irish climate. Here in Ireland, the climate tends to be fairly mild without extremes of temperature, but it is often damp all year round. This often means that the humidity is high and moisture tends to build up in homes. This can be especially problematic in damp areas such as the kitchen and bathroom, and can lead to the growth of mould and bacteria when combined with poor ventilation. Keep an eye out for condensation on the windows or visible patches of damp or mould on walls to check whether this is a problem in your home.
• Older homes. Many of the homes in Ireland are older, especially rural homes, and this means that ventilation is likely to be limited. When combined with poor insulation and insufficiently glazed windows, this can lead to damp indoor conditions, creating the optimum environment for mould growth. It is important to check the survey for issues such as this if you are buying a new home, as these can be problematic even in newer homes. Look out for mould around the window frames or in the bathroom, and be aware that peeling paint or persistent condensation can indicate problems with damp.
• Household activities. Did you know that your home may be affected by higher levels of moisture due to your everyday activities, with the main culprits being actions such as showering, cooking and drying clothes in the house? A dehumidifier or ventilation system can help to remove excess moisture and improve the air quality indoors. If you or others living in your house experience persistent allergies, coughing or sinus congestion while you are at home, it is likely that the air quality is less than ideal.
Many homes, especially in rural areas of Ireland, experience all of these issues, and homeowners are often concerned about damage to their property, but do not realise the implications for their health. However, there are many things you can do to improve your indoor environment.
Improving Air Quality in the Home
Poor indoor air quality can cause skin irritation, headaches and fatigue, as well as respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sinus pain and allergies. The good news is that you can make simple changes in your home to improve air quality, and this is one of the most effective ways to improve respiratory health and overall well-being.
Here’s how to improve the quality of the air in your home:
Change your habits. There are some very simple ways to increase the amount of air circulation in your home, and better ventilation can make all the difference to respiratory health. It is important to keep doors and windows open to improve airflow, especially during or immediately after showering or cooking. Many homes have extractor fans fitted, especially in the kitchen or bathroom, and these can be very helpful in removing moisture. You should also ensure that air vents are not blocked by furniture or decorations.
Dry clothes outdoors. Drying clothes in your home can be extremely detrimental to air quality, and this is an easy fix. Dry clothing outdoors whenever possible, or use a specific area with a dehumidifier to reduce the potential for damage to your home.
Be aware of additional moisture. Very simple steps, such as using lids when you are cooking and regularly wiping the condensation from your windows, can make a big difference to the amount of moisture in your indoor environment. If you are aware of leaks, it is important to have these repaired as soon as possible to prevent a buildup of moisture.
Use heating consistently. As the cost of energy has increased dramatically in the last few years, many people have chosen to heat their homes partially or only at certain times. Energy providers often suggest that it is more energy efficient to run your heating at a low level throughout the winter, at least, as this will ensure a consistent temperature in your home and reduce the buildup of moisture.
Use a dehumidifier or salt air purifier. A dehumidifier or air purifier can transform your indoor environment and help you and your family breathe easier. The right option for your home will depend on the space you are treating and whether you have existing respiratory concerns. Devices such as these can reduce humidity and remove allergens from the air, and this can make a big difference to the health and well-being of all those in your home. This is a particularly good option for children, whose lungs are still developing, and can be very helpful for people with asthma and allergies.
Salin Plus Air Purifier
The Salin Plus Air Purifier is a great choice for most homes, delivering a fine mist of salt particles into the environment and helping to remove common pollutants and irritants. Salin Plus is an energy-efficient option that can create a healthier environment in your home, and it is designed to run for long periods of time without being noisy or expensive. The filters will need replacing every 4-6 months, and this is a simple process that you can take care of yourself. At WonderCare, we stock the replacement filters in store and online, so you can always be prepared!
Caring for Your Family at WonderCare
At WonderCare, we are here to support you with all your healthcare needs, and we offer a wide range of healthcare products for babies, children, and adults. We know that the environment you live in can have a big impact on your health, and we can offer advice and guidance to help you improve it. Whether you are aiming to improve your diet, create an exercise regime that works for you or relieve respiratory symptoms, we can work with you to find the right solutions for you and your lifestyle.
Our experienced team of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can help you to find healthcare, skincare and beauty products in store, and we also offer delivery across Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK. You can shop on our website for delivery to your home, and we offer free shipping on orders over €40.
