Did you know…
- Ireland is ranked 28th globally for indoor pollution levels out of 39 countries studied according to a new report focusing on indoor air quality.
- There was a spike in indoor air pollution in Irish homes between 7pm and midnight in the survey.
- Indoor air pollution are caused by PM2.5 particles which are invisible to the human eye.These particles are released through wood burners, gas cookers and heaters, ash and dust.
- Indoor air pollution can also be released through gas pollutants emitted through cleaning, gas cooking and products such as body sprays, spray deodorants and candles ant through cleaning products.
Why is tackling air pollution so important?
- The European Environment Agency(EEA) considers air pollution to be the single largest environmental health risk in Europe.
- According to the World Health Organisation(WHO), around a third of the global population(2.3 billion people) cook with inefficient stoves fuelled by kerosene and coal which can generate harmful indoor air pollution
- Air pollution has been linked to health problems from various impacts on the respiratory system such as asthma and reduced lung function to cardiovascular diseases.
- On average, women have a greater risk of being exposed to such health risk from the polluting fuels and technologies as they’re more likely to be doing household tasks according to the WHO.
What can I do to prevent air pollution?
- Service gas appliances at least once a year
- Use a dehumidifier to improve air quality
- Open windows when cleaning to reduce effects from chemicals in cleaning products and use eco-friendly cleaning products instead
- Reduce or cut out use of wood stoves and fireplaces
- Use rollerball deodorants and body sprays instead of canned ones
Here’s a few websites if you want to know more!
Environmental Protection Agency Ireland- https://www.epa.ie/environment-and-you/air/
Clean Air Together – https://www.cleanairtogether.ie/
Interactive map on air quality run by the EPA- https://airquality.ie/
