A lot has been said and written about a healthy indoor climate in the past two years. However, it is important to know that this is not only important in times of a pandemic. It's a daily matter. You don't want a place that makes you sick. At Filter&Co we can help you with this.
Indoor air pollution
An unhealthy indoor climate? You have it a lot without knowing it. The reasons for this lie in products and substances that you come into contact with on a daily basis. Indoor air pollution occurs when a combination of these substances and products reaches a high percentage. We list below which substances are involved.
1. Volatile Organic Substances (VOCs)
VOCs are volatile or rapidly evaporating products such as paint and detergent. However, you can also find them in building materials and even furniture or decoration items. Think of carpets and seats. They are everywhere – both inside and outside. But it goes without saying that the percentage is higher in a home or classroom than in an outdoor environment.
2. Particulate matter
This form of air pollution consists of very small particles that are sometimes visible and sometimes not visible. Heating systems, for example, emit particulate matter.
3. Carbon dioxide (CO)2)
CO2 is often called "silent death" in winter. You can't see or smell it, but a too high percentage in a room can be fatal. By default, an amount of 400 ppm (particles per million) is OK. Anything above that can cause health problems. For example, if you reach 1000 ppm in a room, you may experience headaches and drowsiness.
The consequences for your health
You could already read: indoor air pollution can be harmful to your health. The extent to which you experience complaints depends on certain factors.
- The nature of the product
- The amount of VOC or other substances your body has absorbed
- Duration of exposure
Some of the health problems you may experience are:
- Irritation of the airways, eyes and mucous membranes
- Respiratory problems
- Heart problems
How do you prevent an unhealthy indoor climate?
Fortunately, you can prevent these symptoms. We list the most important measures for you.
- Vent your house thoroughly. Especially during construction or renovation work.
- Limit the use of indoor perfumes and fragrance fresheners. They do smell delicious but contain plenty of VOC.
- Do not store solvent-based products (such as paint) in living spaces.
-
Install the right ventilation system in your home.
This prevents moisture accumulation that can lead to mould formation and reduces the gas and particle concentration in your home. It is important that the system is maintained correctly and especially frequently. Think, for example, of replacing the filters in time. And we at Filter&Co are happy to help you with the latter, together with our partners.