Current poor ventilation in British homes is placing occupants at risk of serious health issues. In response to this crisis, BEAMA – the electrocampaign, to help raise consumer and industry awareness of the critical importance of adequate ventilation.

A new YouGov Survey found that 58% of respondents had mould or condensation in their homes and these people are on average 19% more likely to have a respiratory or dermatological condition^[1].

Additional pollutants released by items around the home – such as fireplaces, candles, air fresheners, textiles, furniture, cleaning products paint and detergents^[2] – add to this, creating  a potent ‘pollutant soup’. The correlation between indoor air quality and poor respiratory health is so pronounced that those who spend 16 hours or more in their homes each day are 10 times more likely to suffer breathing problems than those who remain at home for 8 hours or less. 

Peter Howarth, professor of allergy and respiratory medicine at Southampton University, calls for increased awareness of what is being termed ‘Toxic Home Syndrome’. He said: “There is a lot of noise about how outdoor air pollution affects your health, but we should look closer to home as this is where we spend most of our time. Indoor air can be more hazardous than outdoor air, particularly in young children and the elderly and where air quality is poorest. ‘Toxic home syndrome’ occurs when families are exposed to a potent mix of airborne pollutants arising from poor home ventilation, causing respiratory and skin diseases to occur more frequently.”

To mark the launch of the ‘Indoor Air Revolution’ campaign, BEAMA is calling on all construction industry professionals involved with refurbishment and building services specification to ensure they are aware of the consequences of inadequate ventilation.

To get up to date on the guidance around ventilation see the BEAMA Green Deal Ventilation Guide here http://bit.ly/1lyQkud and part F of the Buildings Regulations at http://bit.ly/1w5yPT3

 www.beama.org.uk

^[1] YouGov Indoor Air Quality Consumer Questionnaire

^[2] Camfil Farr, Clean Air is a Human Right