On 29 August 2023, the “Ultra Low Emission Zone” in London will be extended to cover the entire city.
Under the scheme, drivers pay a fee to drive around the city if their vehicle fails to meet certain emissions standards. The hope is that it will deter people from driving older cars that create more air pollution.
Other cities like Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, and Oxford have similar schemes in place already, and more cities plan to implement them in the future.
These low emission zones are becoming more prevalent because they can be an effective way to reduce air pollution, and there is a growing body of research to suggest that pollution can seriously harm your health.
Unfortunately, cars are only one source of air pollution and there may be other pollutants in your home that could damage your health. The good news is, there are some simple changes you can make to clean the air in your home.
Read on to find out why air pollution is potentially so dangerous, and how you may be able to protect your health.
Air pollution increases your risk of serious illness
A 2023 review of air pollution studies conducted by Imperial College London found that air pollution can affect your health at all stages of life.
It can disrupt foetal development in the womb and increase the risk of asthma, high blood pressure, hyperactivity, and even mental health issues in children.
As you get older, exposure to air pollution can make you more susceptible to several serious health problems:
- Strokes
- Dementia
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Respiratory disease.
Fortunately, more local authorities are putting measures in place to reduce air pollution in public spaces. Additionally, there are ways that you can cut air pollution in your own home with a few simple changes.
5 ways to reduce air pollution in your home
1. Improve ventilation
Ventilation is crucial as pollutants build up over time. So, by improving ventilation, you can increase the flow of clean air through your home and remove pollutants.
In the summer, you can do this easily by opening a window or a door at either side of the house to let some air in. However, you risk letting in pollution from outside if you leave windows open for too long, especially if you live in a heavily populated area.
To avoid this, open the windows for a short while and then close them again.
Adequate ventilation is also very important while cooking as you may release numerous harmful pollutants into your home.
For example, according to Dyson, cooking with gas increases nitrogen dioxide levels by an average of 22% to 35% a week in the summer and 35% to 39% in the winter. Gas ovens, particularly older ones, can also release harmful carbon dioxide into the air.
As such, it may be a good idea to use a good quality extractor fan and consider opening windows when cooking.
2. Vacuum carpets regularly
Carpets can harbour a lot of dust and polluting particles, which are released into the air as you walk around your home.
You may want to vacuum these areas more often than the rest of the house, to prevent a build-up of pollutants. Additionally, removing your shoes as soon as you come through the door will stop you spreading outdoor pollutants in your home.
3. Choose different cleaning products
Research reported in the Guardian found that a high percentage of the “volatile organic compounds” (VOCs) in the air by the roadside in Los Angeles came from household cleaning products.
In fact, cleaning products contributed as much pollution as the fumes from vehicles.
While the levels of pollution in Britain may differ to some extent, the pollutants in household cleaners could well harm the air quality in your home.
That’s why it may be a good idea to check the cleaning products you use and avoid anything that is heavily perfumed. You can also find specialist eco-friendly cleaning products, which may contain fewer harmful ingredients.
4. Check your heating system
Gas boilers are one of the most common heating sources in the UK, but most people are unaware of how much air pollution they potentially produce.
Indeed, Energy Live News reports that 74% of people surveyed did not know their boiler produced nitrogen dioxide and 89% did not know that a gas boiler emits more carbon than a new car.
If your boiler is old or poorly maintained, it may release more pollutants into your home. Fortunately, a regular service can make your heating system safer and more efficient.
In some cases, you may need to consider replacing your old system. However, this can be beneficial as it may reduce your energy costs while also improving the air quality in your home.
5. Reduce excess moisture
High humidity creates the perfect environment for mould and mildew to grow in your home, and this can release harmful spores into the air.
The NHS warns that exposure to black mould can cause an allergic reaction and contribute to respiratory problems. It is especially dangerous for young children, older people, and those with a compromised immune system.
The good news is that it should be relatively easy to avoid mould and mildew by controlling the moisture in your home.
Opening windows when cooking can help here and, if you have trouble with ventilation, consider using a dehumidifier in the home.
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Please note
This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.