Brits are complete “airheads” when it comes to indoor air pollution, according to research. A survey of 2,000 adults found many aren’t aware candles, dog hair, and even air fresheners are possible pollutants inside the home.
And others didn’t know the possible health risks of such items – with 67 percent not linking indoor air pollutants to lung cancer, and 81 percent dismissing their impact on heart disease.
It also emerged 64 percent will crack a window, and 52 percent open a door, to get fresh air in their home – but 17 percent never think about the consequences of letting in pollution.
A spokesman for Dyson, which commissioned the research, said: “There are so many possible sources of pollution in the home.
“There has been a lot of discussion over recent months about issues arising from particulates coming from log-burning stoves, which many have in their living rooms.
“But indoor air pollution can come from all sorts of sources, including common items like candles or paint.
“Not to mention, if you live in an inner-city, simply opening a window can allow outside pollutants in, potentially damaging health.”
The study also found 39 percent of adults admitted as long as their home “feels” clean, they assume there is no air pollution.
Respondents were also asked which terms they associate most with the word “pollution” – with 49 percent selecting fossil fuels like oil or natural gas.
Others link it with personal transport such as cars, trains, or planes (43 percent), and manufacturing processes (31 percent).
But 21 percent selected single-use plastics, while 19 percent opted for aerosols and their associated CFCs.
Nearly half (43 percent) confessed to not being knowledgeable on the subject of air pollution, with 48 percent wishing they knew more about the matter.
It also emerged 28 percent said they, or someone in their home, is prone to regular coughing and sneezing fits.
To try and combat indoor air pollution, 65 percent of those with an issue try and keep rooms well ventilated, and 49 percent vacuum regularly.
And one in three (32 percent) have switched from a spray to a roll-on deodorant, according to the OnePoll.com data.
Dyson’s spokesman added: “As with many things in life – from tweaks to diet, to being more environmentally friendly – little lifestyle changes can go a long way.
“Swapping from a spray deodorant to a roll-on is a great example of how to reduce indoor air pollutants, in a small way.
“But larger systemic change, like switching from internal combustion car engines to an electric future, is going to take longer to implement.”
Source: | This article first appeared on Express.co.uk
