What is polluting the air in your home and could it be damaging your health?
We know that Air Pollution is an area of growing concern, especially in the home. Some types of air pollution are more dangerous and life threatening than others!
Carbon monoxide in the home
Carbon monoxide is produced by poorly maintained gas heaters, gas or paraffin heaters that have no flue. The result of burning carbon fuels without sufficient oxygen.
Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas which is both tasteless and odourless, it can kill you and every home should have at the very least one correctly positioned carbon monoxide detector.
Carbon dioxide the home
People and animals produce carbon dioxide when breathing.
Inhaling Very high levels of CO2 over prolonged periods of time can result jn headaches, drowsiness and dizziness. Those with lung disease or who have difficulty breathing are highest risk. Poor ventilation can be a primary cause of high levels of Carbon dioxide
How much air polutuion is in your home?
WHICH, consumer organisation carried out some analysis. They looked at a draughty 1950’s semi and a new build end terrace. They carried out testing in winter conditions, so windows were closed and heating was on, they carried out extensive testing before, during and after extensive bursts of activity such as vacuuming, cleaning, cooking and using scented products. They looked at three room types, the kitchen, the bathroom and the living room.
WHICH, found only negligible amounts of Carbon Monoxide which is excellent, but worryingly Professor Harrison found high levels of carbon dioxide in both homes. The established comfort guidance of CO2 is 1000 parts per million (PPM): the kitchen of the older property had nearly 3 times the accepted levels (2950 ppm). The WHICH? Team believed this to be down to extensive use of the gas hob, and the combination of respiration and poor ventilation.
What should you do?
- Avoid using unvented appliances such as freestanding gas heaters and paraffin heaters.
- Ensure that carbon burning appliances (fires, cookers, boilers and flues) are regularly serviced
- Ensure that your bedroom is ventilated; especially when you are sleeping
- Burning candles in the home has become very popular. Candles generate unwanted gasses, try not to overuse candles.
How can 1st Bathrooms and Kitchens make your house safer?
When there is more than 1 bathroom in a property and multiple rooms that need to be ventilated we use a whole house ventilation system. Controlled ventilation can help to mitigate the negative effects of any undesirable gases that may have found their way into your home. Controlled ventilation also keeps the house feeling fresh and clean.
