New Zealanders need to be more aware of indoor air quality and its impact on health, particularly over winter, caution the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ, the Indoor Air Quality Research Centre of New Zealand and NIWA.
“The quality of indoor air has a significant impact on health, especially our respiratory health,” says Foundation Chief Executive Letitia Harding.
“With World Air Quality Week next week, it is timely to raise public awareness of what we are breathing in our workplaces, schools and homes, and to call for greater action to improve the quality of indoor air.”
Dr Julie Bennett, a Public Health Researcher at the University of Otago and a member of the IAQRC, explains that without proper ventilation, pollutants can accumulate to high levels inside.
“Indoor air pollutant levels can be two to five times higher than outdoor levels and in some cases exceed outdoor levels of the same pollutants by 100 times.”
Another concern is the transmission of airborne diseases in poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
Julie says that to make a real difference to indoor air quality, action is needed from Government.
“Setting a standard for indoor air quality is a clear first step.
In the meantime, individuals can take action to improve air quality in their own homes.
However, if you live in an area with a lot of outdoor air pollution or if you are highly sensitive to pollutants, you might want to consider using a ventilation system or an air cleaner with a HEPA filter,” Guy advises.
Credit: sunlive.co.nz
