Based on the fact that we spend a minimum of 8 hours a day sleeping in our homes, we should already take into account the quality of the air we breathe in it. How much does it cost to reform a flat? If it is all-inclusive, why are these measures not taken into account? For that work budget should already be included.
There are numerous “pollutants” that can change the quality of indoor air and many others that are difficult to control because we do not live in an air bubble, nor should we be paranoid that we are constantly exposed to all kinds of “pollutants” that They could be affecting our quality of life. But we can, with a minimum of effort, keep in mind some good practices that generally improve the quality of life of the adult occupants of a home, and children in particular. It is not difficult to achieve this in the integral reform of your home. This aspect should be taken into account in all comprehensive reforms
The symptoms that may appear can be: headaches, fatigue, drowsiness, allergies, asthma, etc…, and we never think that these may have their origin in the poor quality of the air that we breathe in our own home. It is worth ruling out possibilities and more when they depend on ourselves.
What should we basically take into account?
- Foci of mold and/or humidity
- Dust mites
- The amount of CO2 in the indoor environment
- Volatile organic compounds from some furniture and hygiene and daily cleaning products
- electromagnetic waves
What can we easily do to improve the air quality in our home?
- Correct or repair sources of mold and/or humidity
- Wash bedspreads, cushion covers and sheets once a week with hot water. Cover beds and sofas with plastic covers during the day. There are allergen concentration meters
- Ventilate 10-15 minutes in the morning when we get up. It is advisable to ventilate every 2-3 hours also when we are at home, and more, during the time that there are people at home. The indoor sources that generate CO2 are the human metabolism itself and indoor plants. There are domestic CO2 meters on the market that remotely inform us when we should ventilate our rooms (approximately €160)
- More than 90% of indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are produced by finishing materials (paints, varnishes, etc.), sealants, adhesives, and chipboard in furniture. For this, it is advisable to use paints and varnishes with a zero or very low content of VOC’s. There are more and more products on the market that meet these requirements.
The British Coating Federation classifies products according to the following 5 levels:
1.- Minimum: 0.00% to 0.29%
2.- Low: 0.30% to 7.99%
3.- Medium: 8.00% to 24.99%
4.- High: 25.00% to 50.00%
5.- Very High: more than 50%
An acceptable content in VOC’s is considered the values< = 8%.
As for the furniture, you should choose those that do not have formaldehyde or that are made with panels classified as E1 according to the UNE-EN_13986_2006 standard.
In the integral reforms of a house these materials should already be used
Because taking these considerations into account when you have to renovate your apartment, by taking care of it you also take care of yourself…..