Your home and your health

Considering the amount of time we spend indoors, it’s easy to understand how the quality of our indoor living environment can have a major affect on our health.

Moisture, Mould and Mildew 

New Zealand is a humid country. Because of the way we live, the air inside our homes generally has a higher moisture content than the air outside. Modern building methods compound this problem in that new homes today are almost airtight which leaves the moisture with no means to escape. Build up of moisture is most noticeable in our homes when warm moist air comes in contact with our windows and condensation droplets of water form on the surface. Less noticeable is moisture that is absorbed into fabrics and building materials, causing them to become damp.

Research shows that over 45% of New Zealand homes suffer from moisture, mould and mildew problems. High levels of moisture and humidity are not only unhealthy by themselves, but also lead to mould and mildew problems. Apart from being unsightly, mould and mildew are known “triggers” for asthma. Dust mites, the source of one of the most powerful biological allergens also thrive in these damp environments and are also one of the causes of asthma.

Poor Air Quality 

If too little fresh air enters a home, pollutants can accumulate to levels often five times higher than outside which can pose significant health and comfort problems.

Poor Heating

The World Health Organisation recommends that household temperatures should not drop below 18°C. The most comfortable zone is between 18-24°C and you should design your home and heating system to achieve an even temperature within this range. You should be aware that at less than 16°C, there is an increased risk of respiratory diseases. Furthermore, low interior temperatures lead to increased condensation, mould and mildew problems.