4 Ways Poor Ventilation Could be Affecting You without Your Knowledge
Poor ventilation is a silent killer and many people are dealing with poor ventilation without realising it. It has been estimated that about 25% of homes in the country have air quality that is below the WHO’s standards. The problem is that it can be very difficult to tell when you have bad air quality. It’s also important that you understand the consequences of bad air quality so you can take action. Let’s take a look at a few ways in which poor ventilation may be affecting you.
Airborne Illnesses Spread More Easily
Poor air quality in enclosed spaces can have a direct impact on how airborne illnesses spread. This is because contained air can reach dangerously high levels of airborne particles that could lead to infection. This is why there are far fewer risks of getting infected when you’re outdoors. This is also why proper ventilation should be a priority to you if you want to limit the spread of disease throughout the home.
Increase in Contaminants
In addition to pathogens, there are many other particles that you have to worry about. Things like dust and pet dander can start to accumulate on the floor and the furniture. A lot of this will end up in the air that you breathe. This could be a serious issue for people dealing with chronic respiratory diseases or those with allergies.
Another common issue with poorly ventilated houses is mould. Not only will mould particles start accumulating, but bad ventilation creates a perfect environment for mould to grow. Homes with poor ventilation tend to be much more humid, which is the type of conditions mould thrives in.
Increase in Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs for short, are one of the most dangerous, yet unknown dangers in any house. These are often found in cleaning agents or in solvents. They then evaporate into the air and cause all sorts of conditions. These can range from things such as eczema to very serious issues like cancer.
Less Productivity
If you’re using your home as your office, also know that your indoor air quality could influence the quality of your work. One piece of research found that employees who worked in an office with poor air quality saw their productivity drop significantly. It also found that improving the quality of air allowed them to improve how they performed at cognitive tests by more than 100%.
Other Symptoms
There are also various other symptoms of bad air quality that you may not have thought were related to it. If you find yourself feeling dizzy or have a constant brain fog for some reason, it might be due to air quality issues. Some people may suffer from migraines for no reason, or you may have some flu or allergy-like symptoms from time to time. If that is the case, it would be wise to have the air quality in your home checked before you jump to any conclusions.
These are just a few examples of how poor ventilation could be affecting your health. If you notice any of these in your home, we strongly suggest you speak with a ventilation expert right away.