_Air

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.

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.

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.