Air Quality Basics
How healthy is the air quality in your home? As someone who has been impacted by lung disease, you know the quality of the air we breathe, both indoors and outdoors, plays a major role in your overall lung health. With Canadians spending approximately 90% of their time indoors, healthy indoor air quality does make a big difference.
According to the report, Life and Breath: Respiratory Disease in Canada, more than three million Canadians have lung disease with this number increasing as the general population gets older. Breathing clean air is important for everyone and can be vital to the health of those with lung disease.
Tobacco Smoke
Second-hand smoke can cause cancer and heart disease, as well as worsen existing lung conditions such as asthma. Smoke gets everywhere inside a home, even if you only smoke in one part of the home, and lasts a long time even after smoking has stopped.
Air Cleaners
One of the most popular questions The Lung Association is asked is which air cleaner should they purchase for their home. Before purchasing an air cleaner, residents should look for the source of the problem (e.g. cigarette smoke, mould, wet carpet). By removing the source of the problem directly, this will be much more effective than using an air cleaner to improve the home's air quality.
Mould
Mould can be found anywhere in the home where there are high moisture levels and a lack of air movement. To limit mould growth, you need to control moisture and humidity indoors, and allow fresh air to move through your home.
Household Products
Consumers can become overwhelmed by the number of household cleaning products available on the market. Many products contain toxic ingredients which can cause health problems when used, such as shortness of breath, an allergic reaction, or dizziness.
Flooring and Carpeting
The type of flooring found in your home can impact the quality of the air indoors. This also includes the types of glues and sealing materials used to install flooring which can release chemical odours. When you have a choice for flooring, look for low-emitting materials and adhesives that are water-based.
Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is found in the soil and rock surrounding a home. It can get into your home through cracks in the foundation and build up to dangerous levels that can increase your risk of lung cancer over time. If you are a smoker, you are at an even greater risk of lung cancer if your home also has high radon levels.
Interview with our Certified Respiratory Educator
Not sure what to do when you've moved into a home where the previous tenants smoked? Looking for advice on what air cleaner to buy? Want to learn how mould impacts your lung health?
For answers to these questions and valuable advice, here's an interview with Certified Respiratory Educator, Chris Haromy.
