The inspiration for this article is very personal. A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with lung capacity problems. It is suspected that constant exposure to allergens in her environment could have contributed, in a large part, to her condition. Her workplace is a prime suspect.We all know about sick buildings. But, have you ever thought that your home can be classified as sick? The problem is that we seldom spend money on sophisticated ventilation systems and we do have lots of opportunity for collecting allergens in the home. Bathrooms and kitchens are prime locations for allergens, but they are not the only areas that can be problematic. To guarantee good and healthy air quality we recommend that you pay attention to ventilation.
Mold is always present and looks for opportunity to grow and flourish. Moist and warm environments like the bathroom provide the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. It is said that more than a pint of moisture is injected into your home's air during each shower. The bathroom is also a prime location for stale and unpleasant odours. If not ventilated your home's air quality and your health can be compromised. The best defence is to have multiple ways of ventilating and drying out the room.The kitchen is another prime location where you can be at risk from poor air quality. You do not want to smell remnants of your last meal or garbage. Smells mingling and co-mingling can take the edge off of a good looking kitchen.
Open windows. Make ventilation part of your daily routine. When I think of my routine, I guess, I focus more on keeping everything closed. It's best for the air conditioning, but not for the air quality in the home. Here is my commitment and what I recommend to you. Open doors and windows daily to allow fresh air inside. This is about the cheapest solution to the problem. Cross ventilation will quickly flush out stale air and introduce fresh air. Open windows will also combat condensation and moisture problems and reduce allergens, mold and mildew. Even though fresh air is introduced through open windows, a fan may be needed to aid in circulating the air. Design by Charlie Barrnet and Associates
Install fans. General ceiling, and other fans can help with air circulation. Fans can help to move air from room to room. But, consider extractor fans vented to the outside in bathrooms, gyms, laundry rooms and kitchens. Extractor fans help in removing stale air, making room for the fresh air introduced through open windows. After a shower, let the fan run for a few minutes. In kitchens, use range hoods that are vented to the outside. Range hoods with only a charcoal filter and without outside venting, are limited in effectiveness. Try to get at least one full exchange of air in every room in the house. If you have smokers or pets, aim for constant air exchange.
Other solutions. Keep a clean home. Remove dust and grime and any possible source of allergens. Reduce the use of cleaners that are harmful to the environment and compromise air quality. Prefer more natural and environmentally friendly cleaners. Always fix leaky plumbing immediately and ensure your drainage is intact. Ensure that your dryer is well vented and exhausting moisture to the outside.
If you have just constructed or renovated, you should have special interest in expelling fumes and pollutants from concrete, paints, drywall, or floor finishing. If you live in a construction or agricultural zone, dust can be a problem. Extracting dust would be a major concern. If you have many family members living in your home, your home is at higher risk of having poor air quality and you should take precautions accordingly.Design by Michael Merrill Design Studio
