Ventilation helps against harmful substances in living spaces

Reduce pollution in living spaces by regular ventilation

06/01/2015

The air in living spaces is often contaminated with pollutants that emanate from building materials, furniture, carpets and other furnishings. Since we spend a large part of our time in our apartments, this can ultimately lead to serious health problems in the worst case scenario. Regular airing, however, can significantly improve the air quality in living spaces, reports the news agency „dpa“.

Especially mold is known as a problem that can be largely caused by insufficient ventilation of the living spaces. But even pollutants that evaporate from building materials and the interior furnishings, accumulate over time in the living room air. For example, the concentration of so-called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) according to the Federal Environmental Agency „Immediately after construction and extensive renovation work, as well as with improper processing and massive use of unsuitable products“ increase so much that threaten serious health problems.

Lack of ventilation favors mold
If the living spaces are not ventilated, the humidity increases and mold may form. The improved insulation technique of the windows sometimes leads to an aggravation of the problem. Because „Windows are closing ever more densely“ and „if the insulation of the walls from the outside is not improved at the same time, the walls remain cool and humidity from the room air can be reflected“, quotes the news agency „dpa“ the expert Prof. Barbara Hoffmann from the Leibniz Institute for Environmental Medical Research. This moisture forms the breeding ground for mold fungi. Generally, mold is created „Whenever the apartment is too cold and too humid“, so the reference of the Federal Environmental Agency. Walls that constantly feel constantly damp or condensation on the inside of the windows are clear warning signs here. „Regular ventilation and heating as well as a structurally intact building can prevent this“, said the Federal Environment Agency.

Shock ventilation to improve air quality
According to the experts, scorching is the drug of choice to counteract the mold. „Even in winter, the apartment should be cross-ventilated in the morning and in the evening for 10 minutes“, explains the Federal Environment Agency. For this purpose, all windows should be open to achieve the desired draft and the heating should be turned down. Find further evidence of excessive humidity, could „several times a day by wide opening of the windows short (shock) to be ventilated.“ If there is already a major mold attack, the Federal Environmental Agency advises urgently to call in experts who clarify the cause of the moisture and eliminate the mold. For example, mold could also arise, „if a building is not tight, warm air escapes to the outside and leaves condensation at the exit points“, will Volker Zaborowski from the association for quality control on the construction of the „dpa“ cited. Since indoor mold growth can lead to allergic reactions, respiratory irritation and marked deterioration in asthma, countermeasures are urgently needed.

Volatile organic compounds
Opposite the news agency „dpa“ Heinz-Jörn Moriske from the Federal Environment Agency explained that the gray horse „from a scientific point of view, however, only one problem among many“ fancy. VOCs are also a serious health risk. These are found both in the outside air and indoors. They can arise naturally or exude from synthetic products. To the „Gaseous and vaporous substances of organic origin in the air“ count according to the Federal Environmental Agency „for example hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes and organic acids.“ As possible interior sources are from the Federal Environmental Agency in the first place „Products and materials for the construction of buildings and interiors (for example, floor, wall and ceiling materials, paints, varnishes, adhesives, furniture and decorative materials)“ called. Also important are care, cleaning and hobby products. But also tobacco smoke, food preparation and human metabolism should be mentioned as sources of VOC. The concentrations in the living spaces are usually well above the outdoor air concentrations, which is particularly critical to assess, because according to the Federal Environment Agency, the people in Central Europe mainly in buildings.

Low-emission building materials and interior furnishings
According to the Federal Environment Agency, the volatile organic compounds are classified as very volatile organic compounds (VVOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs). While VVOCs usually evaporate within a few weeks to months, SVOCs are a much more long-term problem. „SVOC gas out much less, but over years“; quotes the „dpa“ Heinz-Jörn Moriske. As possible health consequences are infertility and increased premature births in the discussion. An examination of the indoor air can provide information about the present load. In order to avoid possible VOC pollution from the outset, however, the experts recommend using low-emission products when building or purchasing materials and furniture. For example, the Blue Angel is found on low-emission floor coverings and furniture. „Experts recommend that you only buy products that have a test mark“, becomes Moriske of the „dpa“ cited.

Overall, the living space often has a wide „Mixture of pollutants“ which can have a variety of health consequences, explains Barbara Hoffmann to the „dpa“. Although devices for air purification are increasingly being pushed onto the market here, the best method of purifying the air remains to ventilate, according to the expert. (Fp)