4 minute read
Asthma friendly tips for building or renovating
Weekendsare the perfect time to tackle building or renovating projects around the home, but it can also result in exposure to dust mites, mould and hidden chemicals which can be a nasty trigger for those with asthma or allergies.
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National Asthma Council’s Sensitive Choice Program Manager, Adele Taylor, says before starting a home building or renovation project it is important to consider how it might impact the overall health of your home.
“Many people are aware that some bedding or cleaning products can contain triggers for people with asthma and allergies. However, they are now starting to realise that certain building products can also pose risks.
“Whether you are doing a small renovation yourself or working with a builder, architect or tradie, there are steps you can take to create a healthier environment to help you live better with asthma and allergies.
“It is important to do your research to help to identify products and services that are asthma and allergy aware,” she said.
Ms Taylor said there is increased demand for building products suitable for those with sensitivities which includes everything from paint, plasterboard, carpet and glue, to heating and cooling.
“Less-irritating products often feature reduced allergens, fragrance and chemical content, so they are good not only for any family members with asthma and allergies, but every member of the household.
“It is important to understand your asthma and allergy triggers to help you make the right decision in terms of building design and product selection. So, if you don’t know what your triggers are, ask your doctor about being tested,” she said.
Ms Taylor said that the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice program helps educate and empower consumers to identify asthma and allergy-aware products and services through the trusted blue butterfly.
“Products and services that carry the Sensitive Choice blue butterfly have been reviewed and approved by an independent expert panel and includes hundreds of products - everything from building products, cleaning agents, air purifiers and vacuum cleaners. The program also encourages manufacturers and suppliers to produce products and services that are asthma and allergy friendly.
“Importantly, funds raised by the Sensitive Choice program contribute to research and education led by the National Asthma Council Australia to reduce the health, social and economic impacts of asthma and allergies both in Australia and overseas,” she said.
VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOCS)
Many people have heard about VOCs, but what are they and where do you find them?
VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds, are carbon-based organic chemicals which evaporate (off-gas) at room temperature.
VOCs are common and can be found both indoors and outdoors, particularly in polluted air. They can be man-made or naturally occurring.
VOCs are a broad group and while some should be avoided, others are not known to cause any issues for most people. But some people may be allergic or sensitised to some VOCs.
People with respiratory problems such as asthma, young children, older people, and those with heightened sensitivity to chemicals may be more susceptible to irritation and symptoms.
There is a threshold level of VOCs above which health symptoms usually occur in people. In addition, longer term exposure to VOCs may be more likely to trigger asthma or allergy flare-ups or other respiratory symptoms in some people.
There are VOCs in aerosols, cleaning products, paints, cosmetics, adhesives, pressed wood products, foam, tobacco smoke, upholstery, carpets, textiles, plastics, detergents – and more.
WHAT YOU CAN DO?
You can influence the level of VOCs in your home.
• Buy no or low-VOC products and reduce the number of products in your home that give off VOCs.
• If you do buy new products that may off-gas, consider allowing them to in a spare room or outside.
• Increase ventilation by opening doors and windows or use air purifiers with activated carbon filters or other means to filter VOCs.
• Air fresheners are most likely emitters of VOCs through their fragrances. Although they help mask unpleasant odours, it’s probably best to avoid using them if fragrances or odours trigger your symptoms.
• Keep both the temperature and relative humidity lower. Chemicals will off-gas more under warmer conditions with high humidity.
• If you can, paint and renovate your home when it is unoccupied or during seasons that will allow for additional ventilation.
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