The Healthy Home

A recipe for a healthier indoor environment:

AIRFLOW - refreshing indoor air with outdoor air prevents build up of CO2, VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and moisture. These can have negative effects on health from drowsiness and headaches to more serious ailments such as asthma. Be sure to open a window each day.

AIR TEMPERATURE - a constant temperature of around 20 is comfortable for most people to live in. Any higher or lower it starts to become uncomfortable and can be detrimental to health if too severe.

HUMIDITY - maintaining an indoor humidity of between 40-50% is important to prevent mould and mildew from forming. Too high a level of humidity can effect the decor and structure of a house over time - from peeling wallpaper, cracking paint, and decaying wood. It can also have an impact upon the occupant’s health.

INSULATION - reducing heat loss will not only save energy but also save you money on your bills. Updating old insulation within roof cavities and insulating cold spots like hatch doors can help. Access to cavity walls and the gaps under flooring can prove tricker. Adding insulation externally is sometimes a better option.

BREATHABILITY - the right combination of insulation, ventilation and permeable structural materials will ensure your home has optimal breathability. This will allow for a better quality of indoor air which is better for respiratory health.

MOULD - should be tackled as soon as it appears as it can have adverse effects on health

POLLUTION FROM INTERNAL SOURCES - reducing any potential invisible pollution from the following internal sources is important for long-term health: combustion, homewares, textiles, furnishings, floorings, decor and electrical equipment: all of these can contribute toxic VOCs to the air which when inhaled, can lead to health problems.

ASBESTOS - can still be found in properties built before 1999. Asbestos was used in ceiling panels, roof tiles . It must be removed by an asbestos approved contractor as asbestos contains tiny dust particles that can easily be inhaled and are known to cause cancer.

EMR - reducing EMR from sleeping areas - turn phones off or leave in a separate room, turn off the WIFI each evening, ensure tvs, radios and music stations are not left on standby.

If you have a project in mind and would like some healthier interior advice, please contact me for a free discovery call.