Just like air pollution is an issue outside, it can also be a problem in your home too. With so many of us now working remotely, paying attention to your home office environment is paramount. Whilst you may have invested in an ergonomic setup and new technology to help work efficiency, you may have not even considered the importance of home office air quality.

What affects my office air quality?

Indoor air pollution is comprised of dust, dirt, and gasses. Particulate matter is microscopic particles of dust and dirt in the air that cannot be seen by the human eye.

Did you know that you could be polluting your home unintentionally? The way you heat your home, cook, and clean can all have an adverse effect on air quality. Poor ventilation, damp, and building materials in the home can also aggravate the issue.

If you or any of your family members live with a lung condition, such as asthma or COPD, then paying close attention can help alleviate symptoms.

Common causes of poor air quality at home

Air quality is affected by many things, some of which we can control. Cleaning products are one of the biggest emitters of pollutants into the home. Bleach and ammonia are common ingredients, as are chemicals known as VOCs – volatile organic compounds. Some typical VOCs include acetone, xylene, and formaldehyde. Breathing in too many chemicals can be detrimental to your health and can even effect lung function. Ventilating your home, using natural products, and investing in an air purifier are great ways to eradicate this issue.

Cookers, heaters, stoves, and open fires are other common pollutants. Heating and cooking can release particulate matter as well as dangerous gasses. Regular exposure to these can increase your chance of heart or lung disease. Airing your home is essential to remove gases and particulates.

Lastly, if you’re having building work carried out at home this could be having an impact on air quality. If you have an older property (before 1999) be aware of asbestos-containing materials within the structure of your home. A qualified builder will be vigilant of these when carrying out any renovations. There are also professionals who can remove asbestos.

Like cleaning products, many building materials contain VOCs. Fibreglass can also be an irritant, with the fibres severely aggravating the skin, nose, and throat. You can discuss low VOC products with your tradesman and encourage them to keep your home well ventilated when at work.

 

 

How can poor home office air quality affect me?

Have you been suffering with an itchy, runny nose? Is a dry throat and cough making you feel unwell? Do you struggle with shortness or breath or wheezing? These can all be side effects of poor air quality in your home.

If something in the air is irritating you in your office, you may have put it down to hay fever or nothing more than a mild cold. However, if you experience any of the following you may need to seriously consider investing in an air purifier:

• Itchy and/or runny eyes
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Swollen sinuses
• Difficulties breathing
• Cough
• Itchy or sore throat

If you have asthma, you may have noticed your symptoms escalate. You may be using your inhaler more often. In some extreme cases, you may be experiencing asthma attacks more reguarly due to pollutants in your home.

Indoor air pollution should be addressed. Did you know that it increases the risk of pneumonia, COPD, lung cancer, heart disease and stroke? It’s easy to overlook air quality – it’s invisible, we don’t see it. However, exposing yourself to polluted air can be dangerous long term. Furthermore, in the now, your symptoms can play havoc with your day-to-day work life in your home office.

 

 

How can I test air quality in office?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed that 9 out of 10 people worldwide reguarly breath polluted air. Whilst you cannot always control the air you breath you can improve indoor air quality. You can start by assessing indoor contaminants by purchasing an indoor air quality monitor and evaluating any health complaints you may experience.

Air purifiers for your home office

Regardless of the results, anyone can benefit from cleaner air at home. Air purifiers work by reducing airborne allergens and pollutants in the air you breathe. Leitz’s range of TruSens Air Purifiers come in three sizes to suit your home office. Using PureDirect Airflow, our range of air purifiers distribute air evenly compared to other purifiers that do not promote air circulation, resulting in dead zones.

Our TruSense Air Purifiers not only focus on dust, dirt, and VOCs. You can utilise one of our spciality filters depending on your needs. Do your pets frequent your home office? The TruSens Pet Filter can remove 99.97% of pet dander and hair. Bothered by cooking and cleaning smells when you’re working? Opt for the TruSens Odour Filter to eliminate aromas. Lastly, the TruSens Allergy and Flu Filter can capture 99% of airborne viruses such as flu and allergens.

 

 

Clean air in your home really does matter. After all, we spend 93% of our lives indoors. Not only can air purification benefit your home life, but it can also help improve your cognitive performance, improving your output when working from home. Many remote workers are amazed at the difference a Leitz TruSens Air Purifier makes to their health and wellbeing. With three models to choose from, Leitz are best placed to help you bring cleaner air into your home.