_Air
The freshest air to flow through our spaces, eliminating indoor air pollution.
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Given that we breath 15,000L of ‘the stuff’ each day, we should ensure that our indoor air is of a high quality.
Consider also our stats in Respiratory Diseases and the effects of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and it becomes apparent that air can either optimise our health – or quite the opposite.
When poor ventilation means pollutants can’t leave our spaces, it’s our vulnerable New Zealanders (children and elderly) that suffer the most.
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There are numerous pollution sources that are much closer to us – silent and invisible. These pollutants can be found inside our homes, schools, gyms, workspaces and even restaurants.
Deterioration of indoor air quality can come from the off-gassing of building materials, paints, furnishings, cooking, water leaks, airborne germs on surfaces and shockingly – even our much-loved pets.
It’s no joke, we are so connected to our spaces; it’s an intimate relationship.
We put such a focus on outdoor air, it’s been regulated for decades. But we’re now becoming increasingly aware of the harmful emissions from our daily domestic activities.
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Whether you’re embarking on a new build, renovation or styling your existing space - there are many ways to take control of your indoor air quality.
Here are strategies to consider, ranging from easy to complex:
Check for mould in all, areas if you have a persistent problem you may need some remediation
Increase your ventilation, assisting fresh air to circulate through your home, ultimately to expel moisture + airborne pollutants
With good design, you can use windows, vents and other openings for most ventilation – this will save on your energy costs
However, it’s expected that homes have some mechanical ventilation such as: extractor fans to expel moist air from the kitchen, bathroom and laundry, to the outside
If you’re renovating you can explore an HRV system, perhaps introduce air purification via products like Daikin’s Air Purifier
Eliminate the sources of indoor air pollution by avoiding VOCs in your building materials (i.e paints, glues, sealants, lacquer). VOCs come off the product into the air by way of ‘off gassing’ - this process can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks.
Ask how your builders managing construction pollution inside your home? How are they also protecting themselves?
Cover vents/ducts, keep windows + doors open where possible, do a mechanical flush. Check + replace filters in your HVAC system.
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"Outdoor air has been regulated for decades, but emissions from daily domestic activities may be more dangerous than anyone imagined."
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“Our great exposure to outdoor air likely occurs indoors, given that air infiltrated into buildings where kiwis who live in cities spent around 90 per cent of their time.”
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“Indoor carbon dioxide levels could be a health hazard, scientists warn. Co2 in bedrooms and offices may affect cognition and cause kidney and bone problems.”
