You may think that just because you are indoors most of the time that you are safe from pollution. The thing is that pollution is not just limited outdoors. It exists even inside your home. In fact, more and more studies are saying that indoor air is more polluted as compared to outdoor air.

Various things can cause indoor pollution. Mould growth, which happens because of a damp problem, is one of the top causes of poor indoor air quality in a lot of Irish homes. Other so-called biological pollutants such as viruses, bacteria and animal dander also contribute to the problem.

The absence of proper ventilation is another cause of indoor pollution. There is also smoke from fireplaces, chimneys and wood-burning stoves. Another is the use of products with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), these are gases released into the air from liquids and solid. They are contained in paints, hobby materials and home improvement products, amongst others.

Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality on Your Health

The thing is indoor pollution is just as harmful as outdoor pollution. What makes it more dangerous is the fact that most people spend a considerable amount of their time indoors. While poor indoor air quality can affect anyone, young children and elderly people are most susceptible to its ill effects. It is also harmful for pregnant women and their unborn babies.

Poor indoor air quality may cause breathing difficulties, sneezing, coughing and wheezing, skin and eye irritation, headaches and dizziness. Long term exposure may lead to allergies and respiratory ailments like bronchitis and chronic pulmonary disease. In children, particularly infants, being exposed to indoor pollution increases their risk of developing asthma later on in life.

Damp Proofing and Other Practices to Have Better Indoor Air Quality

If you or members of your family exhibit any of the aforementioned symptoms or feel sick after staying indoors for quite a while, you may want to check the air quality in your house. It is also important to note that, just because you aren’t showing symptoms or feeling sick, it does not mean that you have clean, pollutant-free air in your home. Remember, it may take a while before symptoms appear.

While it can’t be completely avoided, indoor air pollution can be minimised and prevented from causing health problems. The key is to be vigilant and proactive. If you have poor ventilation, address it immediately.

The appearance of condensation on windows is a good indicator that your home is not properly ventilated. Dampness, as mentioned earlier, promotes mould growth. So, if you suspect dampness or mould is present in your home, make sure you call a damp proofing service provider ASAP.

Some companies like Advanced Damp Proofing can conduct a home survey to determine the potential cause and location of your damp problem. After the survey, they’d provide you with a proposal on how you can address the damp problem, reduce toxins and improve the overall air quality in your house.

You can also greatly reduce indoor pollution by carefully choosing the home improvement and cleaning products you use. One ingredient you should look out for is limonene, commonly found in cleaning products and scented candles. While it is generally safe, limonene can mutate into formaldehyde, a hazardous gas, when it comes into contact with air. So, as much as possible, avoid products with limonene or, better yet, use environment-friendly products which do not contain chemicals harmful to your health.

In addition, do not dry wet clothes indoors since moisture can make your home more humid and susceptible to damp problem. Lastly, see to it that your home is well ventilated. Make sure that your ventilation system is efficient and working properly.

Damp proofing can improve indoor air quality! Make your home safer for you and your kids! Call us at 01 – 8417716 (telephone) or 086 – 7907555 (mobile) today.