2022 edition of the World Health Day promoted by the WHO is focused on urgent actions needed to keep humans and the planet healthy and foster a movement to create societies focused on well-being. The main topic is “Our planet, our health“, based on 3 global challenges:
- Economy focused on health and well-being;
- Livable cities and people able to control their health and the health of the planet;
- Clean air, water and food available to all.
These are ambitious goals that require concerted actions by governments and institutions. However, even individuals can make their contribution by adopting virtuous behaviors and good practices that inspire others for a healthier tomorrow.
With this in mind, we want to celebrate World Health Day offering you simple tips, useful to improve indoor air quality to guarantee the health and well-being of people in living and working places.
- Ensure good air exchange in the rooms. Proper ventilation must be planned and managed according to the number of people and the activities carried out in the environment, the length of stay in the rooms as well as the size of the environments, to avoid situations of discomfort.
- In case of natural air change, ventilate for at least 5 minutes several times a day, avoiding opening windows that overlook busy streets.
- Maintain the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems properly, carefully following the manufacturers’ instructions and avoid using cleaning products directly on the filter to prevent inhaling pollutants, such as VOCs, while the system is operating.
- Minimize the use of materials containing VOCs (deodorants, cleaning materials, glues, adhesives, solvents, paints). An example? Replace aggressive paints with water-based paints, you will get the same result but the impact on health will be lower.
- Before using the cleaning and disinfection products, carefully read the instructions for use. Incorrect use of the product or its incorrect dilution can reduce its effectiveness and affect the health of the occupants. If possible, choose products without fragrances and allergens and prefer Ecolabel products. Clean has no smell. The fragrances of the detergents contain VOCs that compromise the health of the air and should not be used in the presence of asthmatics.
- Maintain suitable microclimatic conditions. The National Institute of Health in Italy indicates as the ideal temperature in the winter period 20/22 ° C and in the summer period 24/26 ° C while the relative humidity of the air between 35 and 45% in the period in winter and between 50 and 60% in the summer. In this interval, the defenses of the respiratory system function effectively. Remember that relative humidity levels above 70% can encourage the growth of microbial contaminants such as mold and bacteria.
- Reduce or eliminate anything that is a receptacle for dust. Prolonged exposure over time even to low levels of particulate matter is associated with an increase in respiratory disorders and diseases.
- Create a green oasis in the environment considering the size of the room. Plants are natural filters, they trap pollutants both through the roots and the stomata on the leaves, improving people’s well-being.
Photo by World Health Organization
