Toni Wong, product marketing executive at Airflow Developments, stresses
the crucial role professional installers have in educating customers in
the battle against poor indoor air quality.
Over 15 million homes in the UK are affected by Toxic Home Syndrome – which dramatically increases the risk of respiratory problems, heart disease and lung cancer.
As a nation we spend nearly 70% of our time at home – yet only two per cent of UK homes have mechanical ventilation systems installed. With kitchens and bathrooms generating high levels of heat and moisture, it is important for installers to offer guidance on how ventilation systems can effectively manage the risks that this can present – to a property and its occupants.
Without a proper ventilation system, a sealed building will suffer from high levels of damp, mould and condensation, which will quickly cause the fabric of the property to deteriorate. Combine this with the activities of everyday living: cooking, odours, volatile organic compounds, dust and even smoke and individuals can become extremely susceptible to a harmful mix of airborne pollutants – in what is now known as Toxic Home Syndrome.
In line with a new YouGov survey, which identified that people with mould in their homes are 19% more likely to suffer from a respiratory or dermatological condition – BEAMA – the electro technical industry body for the UK – is urging the UK to ensure that the need for ventilation is addressed.
In emphasising the risks of Toxic Home Syndrome and the dangers of not having a well-ventilated property, installers can have a positive impact on their customer’s living environment. With a wealth of products available to meet a wide range of requirements, they can also be the problem-solver too.