Why Breathing Indoors Could Be Riskier Than You Think—And How to Fix It
The air we breathe has a huge impact on our health, both in the short and long term. Considering the average person inhales around 15,000 litres of air a day, it’s no wonder that improving and maintaining good indoor air quality is crucial to our wellbeing. If you’ve read our recent articles, You Are What You Breathe or How to Detox Your Home in 3 Simple Steps, you’ll know that indoor air can be at least 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Surprising, isn’t it?
It’s the season to cosy up by the fire and hibernate away the winter chill. With Clean Air Night last week on 22nd January, and as we find ourselves spending more time indoors this time of year, I thought it was the perfect moment to dive into air quality in my newsletters this month—both indoor and outdoor.
Spotting the Culprits and Clearing the Air
Let’s take a closer look at the main indoor air pollutants and explore the three-step approach I always use with my clients: Avoid, Detox, Optimise.
Formaldehyde and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
These sneaky, invisible nasties are released into the air through off-gassing ; a process where chemicals from building materials, furniture, paints, and carpets make their way into our breathing space. They’re colourless, often odourless, and incredibly harmful.
What you can do:
Be a conscious consumer. Choose low-VOC or VOC-free paints, furniture, and carpets made from natural materials.
Check out brands that prioritise sustainable and healthy practices…not only will this protect your health, but it’s kinder to the planet too.
Chemical Cleaning Products
Cleaning products often emit chemical fumes that can disrupt your hormones and nervous system. These toxins don’t just linger in the air; they can also seep into your body through your skin.
What you can do:
Switch to natural, eco-friendly cleaning products, especially if you have kids or pets. I use Clean Living, the Probiotic Cleaning products that are much better for your health and the environment. If you didn’t hear my interview with Lars Tewes from Clean Living on The Healthy Home Show – here’s the Spotify link ( an Apple link is further down).
If cleaning isn’t your thing, hire an eco-conscious cleaner who only uses non-toxic products.
Dust and Particulate Matter
Dust might seem harmless, but it’s often a mix of dead skin cells, pet dander, hair, and other debris. When inhaled, these tiny particles can trigger allergies or even carry viruses and bacteria.
What you can do:
Clean regularly with chemical-free detergents and use a vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA filter, which can trap up to 99% of particles.
If you’re renovating, always wear a mask to protect yourself from dust and debris and even worse contaminants like asbestos.
Mould
Mould thrives in damp, poorly ventilated spaces and can cause a whole host of health issues, from respiratory problems to nervous system damage. Alarmingly, mould toxicity is often overlooked or misdiagnosed as conditions like multiple sclerosis according to
Get into the habit of ventilating your home daily, even in winter. I make this part of my morning routine and open the windows as soon as I get up in the morning ( just like our grandmothers used to!)
Avoid drying clothes indoors whenever possible to prevent moisture build-up, which can encourage mould growth.
If you are concerned about mould that has appeared in your home, check out Pure Maintenance via my link here. I love partnering with them because they remediate Mould without using the harmful chemicals that other companies do. There is absolutely no point in getting rid of mould but making your home more toxic in the process ! These guys safely decontaminate your spaces and restore a healthy balance. I am aiming to get them on The Healthy Home Show soon … so don’t miss that episode!
The Three-Step Solution
- Avoid: Limit exposure to harmful pollutants by making informed choices about the products and materials in your home.
- Detox: Support your body’s natural detoxification processes through hydration, healthy eating, and tools like infrared saunas or castor-oil compresses.
- Optimise: Invest in a HEPA air filter to trap airborne pollutants. Portable versions are great for bedrooms or living rooms and can even travel with you.
Breathe Easy
Improving your indoor air quality doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By avoiding harmful substances, detoxifying your space, and optimising your environment, you can create a healthier and happier home. And remember, one of the simplest steps you can take is to open your windows every day and let some fresh air in.
Let’s make the air we breathe part of the solution, not the problem. Ready to start? Request our mini directory of recommended low-VOC and eco-friendly brands or book a consultation to transform your indoor air quality today- hello@charlielemmer.com
I hope you have enjoyed hearing about Indoor Air Quality can really affect our Physical, Mental and Emotional Wellbeing in this week’s Newsletter. If you are interested in diving into the other 12 main concepts that create a Healthy Home and Lifestyle, there’s loads more info on my website – www.charlielemmer.com
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Be WELL
Charlie x
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