Some small and large changes around your home will:
- make sure and you have the best air to breathe;
- and reduce the amount of pollution that affects the whole Borough.
Some air pollution hazards in the home can have effects on your health. So, it is important to keep you and those around you safe.
Garden fire
If you burn leaves or rubbish in your garden it releases harmful particulates into the air.
Gas boiler
At times, these can produce Carbon Monoxide (CO).
Make sure your home is as safe as it can be. Have your boiler checked regularly by a qualified gas engineer.
This will make sure that it burns fuel safely and efficiently and minimise health risks such as carbon monoxide poisoning.
Bathroom steam
This can lead to damp, which can cause mould to grow.
Where possible, use a bathroom fan or keep the windows open when you shower or bath. This will help remove steam from the room and help to stop any mould.
Cooking
This is one of the main sources of indoor air pollution.
When you cook with gas, it makes nitrogen oxide and other particulates. These are the same pollutants that you find outdoors. Use an extractor fan or open a window/door to help to ventilate the kitchen.
Log burners and indoor fires
Burning wood and coal in a stove or open fire releases particulate matter.
This has an impact on the quality of the air in your home. It can irritate your nose and throat and give you a cough or breathing problems.
If you use a log burner/open fire, there are some things to remember to be as safe as possible:
- Always use dry wood. Wood that is wet or damp produces more smoke.
- Log burners and open fires should be serviced regularly, ensuring they are operating as they should.
- Chimneys should be cleaned, ensuring effective ventilation and that your home is safe from fire risk.
Smoking
Smoking indoors leads to high levels of pollutants within the home.
The leftover gas and particles from smoking that settle can cause health hazards. In particular where rooms have a lot of fabric, such as carpet, curtains and seating.
Useful Links
- Indoor air quality (DEFRA).
- Indoor air quality at home (NICE).