A pan-European study, carried out by the National Institute for Health and Welfare, has highlighted the impact of indoor allergens on disease and life expectancy – revealing a surprising link between indoor exposure to pollutants and cardiovascular disease, as well as other health hazards.
The study shows that exposure to indoor pollutants is linked to reduced life expectancy and burden of disease. Fifty-seven per cent of the total burden relates to cardiovascular diseases, 23 per cent to lung cancer, 12 per cent to asthma and the remaining eight per cent is in association with other respiratory conditions. This new research builds on the recent findings from a YouGov consumer survey and a study by Prism & Waverton Analytics which showed that a large number of homes are experiencing, or are at risk of aggravated health problems due to poor indoor air quality.
The National Institute for Health and Welfare study suggests that a change in the way that homes in the UK are ventilated could reduce the overall burden of disease caused by indoor air pollution by approximately 38 per cent each year. The research states that significant health benefits would be seen across the UK if homes had effective, optimised ventilation systems installed.
Lee Nurse (pictured), marketing director at Vent-Axia, commented, ‘This new research reveals the real risk to health through indoor air pollution. At Vent-Axia we welcome this study since it is important the public is aware of the dangers of poorly ventilated indoor environments. The research confirms exposure to indoor pollutants is linked to reduced life expectancy and burden of disease.
‘With many people spending the majority of their time indoors, improvements in indoor air quality must be seen as a priority. Continuous ventilation is a simple solution to air quality problems.’