Granted, airing out the house is something many of us have done all along – although one expert points out that even the most ardent ventilator could easily have given up on the ‘unremittingly wet’ start to the year. Professor Keir Lewis, professor of respiratory medicine at Hywell DDA Health Board and private consultant at Circle Health Group, says that whatever the weather, opening the windows is better for us than not. Unless you belong to a vulnerable group like the elderly, his advice is clear: ‘Be sure to open windows and doors.’
We spend an average of 90 per cent of our lives indoors, and the colder months are ‘the worst time for indoor air quality’, says Professor Lewis, citing: ‘Part of the problem, he explains, is central heating, gas fires, wood and coal burners and more indoor pets (cats and dogs spend more time indoors meaning their exposure to allergens and the like) Modern houses Now ‘so well insulated’. Good for energy efficiency, but less helpful for airflow.
Among the worst culprits for indoor air quality are wood burners (a quarter of all harmful particles in the air, known as PM2.5s, are the work of indoor fires). After that, crockpots bubble for hours over gas stoves and cookers, leading to a significant increase in the release of nitrogen dioxide. Scented candles also increase household pollution by 30 percent, while cleaning products can release volatile organic compounds as polluting as the roads used by 28,000 vehicles. Another major pre-summer mistake – warm clothing – produces condensation, which can lead to dampness. The list goes on.
The question remains: How often do those of us less tough than Vicki who need to be brave enough to feel the benefits need to open the window? Professor Lewis advises 15-20 minutes, although it can be shorter on windy days. If the air quality is reasonable, luften and its relatives – ‘stosluften’ (shock ventilation, or airing the place for only 5-10 minutes at the highest temperature) and ‘querluften’ (cross ventilation, where the windows on the opposite sides of the house are opened) – can bring real health benefits. We may not always be able to go outside this time of year, but letting go is essential. And as Stephanie says, at its simplest it’s a beautiful way to connect with nature. ‘We’ve lost some touch with the rhythm of nature’s heartbeat, and being able to open a window, hear the birds, smell anything outside (can all make a difference).’
