Lee Nurse: “Continuous ventilation is a simple solution to air quality problems.” Vent-Axia
Ventilation specialist Vent-Axia has welcomed new research that highlights the significant health dangers of poor indoor air quality – including a surprising link between indoor exposure to pollutants and cardiovascular disease. By James Hunt:
New research has revealed that indoor air pollution is potentially responsible for the annual loss of over 200,000 healthy life years in the UK through illnesses including cardiovascular disease. It also says that home ventilation rates above 0.5 air changes / hour are associated with reduced risk of allergic manifestations.
There are many long-established causes of cardiovascular disease that most people are well aware of – smoking, diabetes, too little exercise, poor diet, drinking too much alcohol – that it perhaps comes as a surprise to find another – poor indoor air quality.
Such indoor pollution derives from many sources, including combustion products, building materials and furnishings, personal care products, hobbies, central heating, lack of humidification (or too much), pesticides, radon gas and outdoor air pollution.
These are known to cause a variety of undesirable health problems for a significant percentage of the population, so having good quality and effective ventilation systems is seen as crucial. However, the new pan-European study carried out by the National Institute for Health and Welfare, has put a new perspective on this, revealing a surprising link between indoor exposure to pollutants and cardiovascular disease, as well as other health hazards.
The research has highlighted the effect of indoor allergens on disease and life expectancy and shows that exposure to indoor pollutants is linked to reduced life expectancy and burden of disease. It indicated that 57% of the total burden relates to cardiovascular diseases, 23% to lung cancer, 12% to asthma, and the remaining 8% is in association with other respiratory conditions.
This new research builds on the recent findings from a YouGov consumer survey and a study by Prism & Waverton Analytics which showed that a large number of homes are experiencing, or are at risk of aggravated health problems because of poor indoor air quality.
Good ventilation is the key
The National Institute for Health and Welfare study suggests that a change in the way that UK homes are ventilated could reduce the overall burden of disease caused by indoor air pollution by around 38% each year1. The research also states that significant health benefits would be seen across the UK if homes had effective, optimised ventilation systems installed.
Good ventilation protects a home or building’s occupants, the family and guests from unpleasant odours, irritating pollutants, and potentially dangerous gases, such as carbon monoxide (CO). A well-designed and properly operated ventilation system also prevents the growth of mould and mildew, which can cause or aggravate allergic reactions and lung problems such as asthma. Because most people generally spend about 90% of their time inside, indoor air pollution can actually be a bigger health risk than outdoor air pollution.
The two basic methods used to provide effective air changes are spot ventilation for localised pollution sources, and general ventilation to dilute pollutants from sources that exist in many locations or move from place to place. A highly effective modern variation of this is continuous ventilation. Designed to work with the natural air infiltration, continuous ventilation controls the air path through a home. It therefore prevents the migration of damaging humidity and pollutants, providing near silent energy efficient ventilation.
For new builds and retrofitting, the latest continuous ventilation systems also offer heat recovery. For new build homes, there are continuous whole house Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) solutions, such as Vent-Axia’s Sentinel Kinetic MVHR system, which is 94% thermally efficient.
For refurbishments, there are continuous Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation (dMEV) systems, such as Vent-Axia’s Lo-Carbon Response. In addition, there are also dMEV single room heat recovery units available. The Lo-Carbon Tempra is an example of this.
The company says that as the Government continues to drive energy efficiency in homes, these ventilation solutions will become even more important, with properties set to become more airtight. So unless good ventilation is considered, being more airtight will only increase the risk of aggravated health problems.
Commented Lee Nurse, Marketing Director at Vent-Axia: “This new research reveals the real risk to health through indoor air pollution. We welcome this study since it is important the public is aware of the dangers of poorly ventilated indoor environments. The research confirms exposure to indoor pollutants is linked to reduced life expectancy and burden of disease.
“With many people spending the majority of their time indoors, improvements in indoor air quality must be seen as a priority. Continuous ventilation is a simple solution to air quality problems,” he concluded.
For more information, visit www.vent-axia.com/healthyhomes
Reference
National Institute for Health and Welfare (2013) Efficient reduction of indoor exposures. Health benefits from optimising ventilation, filtration and indoor source controls.
