One quarter of the world’s population now breathes unsafe air, according to the World Health Organisation. 4.3 million of the world’s annual death toll from air pollution is attributed to indoor air pollution. At home or in the office, not only can poor indoor air quality cause and contribute to the development of infections, chronic lung diseases like asthma, it can potentially increase the risk of lung cancer, stroke, and heart attack. And don’t forget about causing headaches, nasal congestion, nausea, flaky skin, and dry eyes.

A study by William Fisk from the California Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory concluded that better indoor air quality boosted worker productivity, leading to estimated savings up to US$200 billion per year. If the blood does not have a good supply of oxygen, the brain will very quickly become tired, losing its ability to think clearly. As the thinking becomes confused, the mind becomes very susceptible to depression. This, in turn, has a depressing effect on the whole system, including the body’s immune system, leaving the body in a condition of being more susceptible to sickness and disease.

Dangerous particles which can be found in the home include pollutants, allergens, pollen and mould. We also have to contend with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are the chemical compounds that can become hazardous air pollutants and are released from paints, cleaners, solvents, and other household products that can contribute to poor air quality. During the cold and flu season, the air quality in your home can also affect how frequently you and your family catch the flu or a common cold.