Blog: Breathe Easy

Clean Air Day, the UK’s largest air pollution awareness campaign took place on Thursday 15 June. It highlights the importance of clean air for our health and the environment. Discover three reasons why ventilation and clean air are critical components of a healthy indoor environment.

 

Clean Air Day, which is the UK’s largest air pollution awareness campaign took place on Thursday 15 June. It highlights the importance of clean air for our health and the environment, with a focus on outdoor air quality.

However, as humans, we spend most of our time indoors - around 90% according to a report by Opinium (a leading Insight Agency), whether this is time spent at home or in the office. It therefore feels appropriate to also talk about the importance of indoor air quality and the role ventilation plays in our buildings.

So, why is clean air and proper ventilation so important?

1. Health impacts

Indoor air pollution can have a serious impact on our health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air. This is because buildings often trap pollutants such as dust, mold, and chemicals. These pollutants can lead to a wide range of health problems, from minor irritations like headaches and eye irritation to more serious issues like respiratory problems. Poor air quality can also exacerbate pre-existing conditions such as asthma and allergies resulting in increased rates of absence in the workplace.

Ventilation is also important because it really does impact our mental health and well-being. Poor air quality has been linked to decreased productivity and increased stress levels. Having access to fresh air and natural light can help to improve mood, increase energy levels, and boost our overall well-being.

2. Comfort

Comfort and temperature are often the first and sometimes the only things people think about when discussing ventilation. It is important, indoor ventilation can regulate the temperature and humidity levels in our buildings, improving the comfort levels for occupants. Inadequate ventilation can cause stuffy, hot and/or humid conditions, which can lead to discomfort and contribute to heat stress, damaging our health and our productivity.

3. Energy efficiency

Ventilation can help to reduce the heating and cooling loads in buildings, making them more energy efficient. A good ventilation system can reduce greenhouse gas emissions: with improved air quality and ventilation, buildings can operate more efficiently, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and helping to mitigate climate change.

The takeaway

So, what is the takeaway from this blog? Ventilation and clean air are critical components of a healthy indoor environment. By taking steps to improve indoor air quality, we can support our physical and mental health, reduce our environmental impact, and create a more comfortable space to live.

We need to focus on the air we breathe inside our buildings as well as outside.

Finding the correct ventilation solution and the right products and accessories is key to delivering a healthy building.

If you are looking to improve the ventilation in your building and require technical advice, or products, we can help. Get in touch with the team at info@mapuk.com or visit www.mapuk.com.

About the author         

Barry Hobday is the Managing Director at Motorised Air Products (MAPUK). With the help of innovative research, MAPUK and its associated suppliers are committed to using pioneering product design and technology to provide unique solutions in air ventilation.