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AIR QUALITY

Brought to you by Asthma Australia

While Australians have largely enjoyed breathing clean air in the past, many of us experience seasonal air pollution as a result of wood heater use, hazard reduction burning or agricultural burning.

Air quality is also deteriorating as climate change is causing more frequent and prolonged bushfires become, increased levels of ozone at ground level and increased pollen production. We can also be exposed to air pollution in the home caused by gas cooktops and heaters or mould, which is also becoming more common as a result of climate change. Air pollution is also caused by the emissions responsible for climate change, including coal fired power station and vehicle emissions.

Here are 3 main issues impacting the quality of the air in your home:

Gas Cooktops

Gas Cooktops

Produce contaminants (pollutants) like nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter, including PM2.5

Wood Heaters

Wood Heaters

Wood heaters contain fine particulate matter (PM2.5), These particles are tiny in size and when inhaled are able to go deep into your lungs, causing inflammation (redness and swelling). The particles can also enter your blood stream.

Particles in the Air

Particles in the Air

Mould, dust, fine particulate matter, airborne viruses and pet dander can all potentially trigger asthma

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING AN AIR PURIFIER

  • When choosing an air purifier, the most important factor to consider is the type of filter (or filters). Look for an air purifier that has a HEPA filter.
  • Be mindful of the room size it claims to filter when purchasing. They are only useful for use in isolated places and not a safeguard covering the whole house.
  • Prices range from around $100 for small, basic purifiers to $1,500 or more for models that purify large spaces.
  • You'll also need to factor in the cost of replacement filters as you'll need to replace them regularly to keep your air purifier working effectively.

PRODUCTS TO ASSIST YOU

Air Purifiers Category

Air Purifiers

Air purifiers help reduce mould by capturing airborne mould spores using HEPA filters, thereby improving indoor air quality.

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Dehumidifiers Category

Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers help control mould growth by taking moisture out of the air, making it harder for mould to grow in your house.

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SIX THING TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY AT HOME

Brought to you by Asthma Australia

We spend a lot of time inside our homes, so make sure you're breathing healthy air when inside. There are several common sources of indoor air pollution found in Aussie homes including gas use, chemicals, mould, and dust and things that blow in from outside. Here's six ways to identify them and to improve your 'Air Nutrition' at home.

checkmark Clean carpet, curtains and furniture including mattresses - dust mites are a common irritant and love dead human skin cells. Be sure to clean any items that may harbour mites on a regular basis. Ensure your vacuum has HEPA filter or opt for wet vacuums. Try and wash sheets at least weekly and don't forget to wash pillows.
checkmark When using gas cooktops or heaters, ventilate well - gas cookers and unflued gas heaters are directly linked to increased levels of air pollution that causes asthma. When cooking, use a rangehood that directs fumes outside the home and/or open windows. Try not to have children in the kitchen while cooking with gas. Ensure your gas heater is flued to the outside.
checkmark Consider switching to healthier home fuel sources - this isn't an option for everyone, but if it is for you, consider replacing gas cooktops with electric or induction alternatives, and gas or woodfire heaters with efficient reverse cycle air conditioners.
checkmark Opt for cleaning and maintenance products that may be less irritant - cleaning chemicals with strong odours - like bleach - aren't always good for the lungs, neither are strong chemicals in paints or glues. Look for low chemical, anti-allergen products as an alternative and/or wear protect PM2.5 face coverings.
checkmark Switch from burning backyard fires and woodfire heaters to healthier options - woodfire smoke contaminates the air with PM2.5 which is very unhealthy for you and the entire neighbourhood. It's a main source of air pollution in our cities and towns and has serious impacts on asthma, heart and lung conditions.
checkmark Remove any mould and mildew - mould and mildew release spores that trigger allergic reactions. If you're sensitive, ask someone else to clean it away, and keep an eye out on where mould tends to collect in your home.
Question Mark

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