Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image
Topics: Environment, News, Health
Lucy Devine
A toxicologist has shared a warning for people who keep their windows closed in winter.
Over the last few weeks, the UK has seen some pretty icy temperatures, so it makes sense that most of us have our windows firmly shut during the colder months.
But turns out by keeping our windows closed, we might not be ventilating our homes properly. And this can have consequences when it comes to our health.
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Dr Yvonne Burkart is a PhD Toxicologist, as well as a former Senior Toxicologist in the flavour and fragrance industry.
She sat down with Steven Bartlett for his Diary Of A CEO Podcast to discuss the toxins we use every day and the ones that are lurking in our homes.
"Air quality indoors can be up to five times worse than air quality outside which shocks a lot of people," she explained. "The reason being is that people are not adequately ventilating their homes.
"We're doing things like cooking, cooking generates particulate matter too, but do we need to stop cooking? No.
"But we need to prioritise what's important and what's not important. Burning candles, how important is that to you? Make sure you're choosing a better candle.
"Make sure you're opening the windows. Indoor air is absolutely imperative if you want to improve your health, you have to clean up your indoor air."
Dr Yvonne also explained that one of the most surprising ways to improve indoor air quality was by taking your outdoor shoes off and not wearing them indoors.
"That doesn't mean you have to go barefoot, you can wear slippers," she added.
"Shoe soles are vectors for faecal material, bacteria and viruses, heavy metals, industrial chemicals, pesticides, things that are outside should stay outside."
Reposting a clip of Dr Yvonne's interview, the @homehealthology account on Instagram - which aims to raise awareness of environmental toxins - added: "Indoor air quality is often be worse than outdoor air! Pollutants like VOCs from furniture, cleaning products, mould, dust, and even off-gassing from plastics accumulate in enclosed spaces with little ventilation.
"We breathe about 20,000 breaths per day so the quality of the air is essential for your overall health and performance. Poor indoor air can lead to allergies, respiratory issues, headaches, and long-term health problems.
"Open windows, use air purifiers, and add air-purifying plants to improve your home’s air quality. A healthier environment starts with clean air!"