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"Air pollution" tends to make us think of factory smoke stacks, but the quality of indoor air can be even worse than that outside. And it’s estimated that we spend much more time indoors – around 80-90% of our lives!

Sources of air pollutants in our homes and workplaces include those from tobacco smoke, cleaning products, building and furnishing materials, cooking and heating appliances, insecticides and air ‘fresheners’. These can build up to potentially harmful levels if ventilation is inadequate.

One simple (and energy-efficient) way to dilute pollutants and improve indoor air quality is to open doors and windows whenever possible. Fans also help to pull in fresh air and improve circulation.

- Olivia Rose-Innes, EnviroHealth Editor, August 2011

 

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