Only 42% of Brits have taken steps to improve the air quality in their home despite over half knowing that poor indoor air quality could affect their health
When was the last time you thought about the air in your home? Today? Yesterday? Never?
According to research by Puressentiel – uk.puressentiel.com – the brains behind the evidence backed plant-based health products for everyday wellness needs, just 27% of Brits have thought about the air quality inside their home a lot, while 39% have given it some thought[1].
What’s more, 54% rightly think that poor indoor air quality could affect their health as well as the health of those around them, whilst a quarter think that it only affects those who already have respiratory problems.
GP, Dr Nisa Aslam from the Puressentiel expert hub explains: “With more people working from home and working out from home, it’s important that we place a big focus on the air around us. Dust mites, moulds, microbes, allergens, bacteria and even viruses can be lingering in the air, which can have a big impact on health and wellbeing.”
The Puressentiel research has also found that a tiny four in ten (42%) of the nation have taken steps to improve the air quality in their home including opening windows, reducing central heating use and spraying air fresheners. Interestingly, almost half of respondents think indoor air contains the greatest concentrations of germs/viruses as opposed to outdoor air, a third don’t think there is a difference and only a fifth think that outdoor air contains the greatest concentrations of germs/viruses.
Of those who haven’t tried to improve their air quality, 34% assume that they simply can’t, yet Natural health specialist Dr Tim Bond states that there are in fact several ways we can ensure the air we breathe is cleaner and purer.
Chemist and natural health specialist, Dr Tim Bond says: “Indoor air pollution can negatively impact the health of ourselves and family members, including children. Respiratory problems, skin irritations, coughs and colds can be caused by allergens in the air, plus these allergens can further exacerbate problems for those with allergies already.”
Although most of the nation isn’t placing indoor air quality too highly on their priority list, two-thirds believe that coughs are affected by poor air quality in the home, whilst 59% say it can cause breathing problems and 53% say it can cause colds. Plus, 44% think that poor air quality can affect sleep.
Dr Tim Bond adds: “We’re clearly aware of the potential dangers yet so many Brits aren’t doing anything about air pollution in the home. The problem is, we can’t see these germs and viruses in the air, however, Brits would pay more attention to indoor air if they could as two thirds have admitted that if they could see germs/virus particles in the air in their home, they would do more to improve the air quality.”
Dr Nisa Aslam continues: “Increasing awareness of indoor air pollution is a pivotal step to helping the nation breathe easy and there are several things that everyone can do to help.”
#1. The power of plants
Dr Tim Bond explains: “There is a natural solution to minimising air pollution. Puressentiel’s range of plant-based products harnesses the power of plants and essential oils to provide an effective, natural and ethical choice for health and wellbeing.”
The Puressentiel Purifying Air Spray, now available from Holland & Barrett, combines 41 essential oils — including two species of lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, and geranium (pelargonium) — to combat airborne bacteria and viruses, fungal spores, and house-dust mites, purifying indoor air. This spray also helps to eliminate odours.
New Puressentiel Anti-Pest Fabric Spray contains the power of Palmarosa essential oil to kill and stave off house pests such as dust mites, itch mites, clothes moths, fleas and bed bugs. It can be used on textiles in the home, such as bedding, mattresses, sofas, chairs, soft furnishings, and cuddly toys, as well as outdoor furniture.
Dr Tim Bond adds: “It’s estimated that, In industrialised countries like the UK, one in four people is affected by these microscopic irritants[2].
#2. Ventilate your home
Of those who do take action against indoor air pollution, 71% open their windows.
Dr Nisa Aslam says, “Winter provides a perfect environment for house-dust mites because we keep windows closed and heating on and this increases the warmth and humidity they love. Condensation around windows and humidity also promote the growth of mould. When you can, especially during the warmer months, open your windows to allow air to circulate.”
Like Dr Tim Bond and one in 5 French GPs, Dr Nisa Aslam suggests that every home should have to hand the Puressentiel Purifying Air Spray. Dr Nisa Aslam notes: “ Backed by 18 efficacy and tolerance studies, Puressentiel Purifying Air Spray is clinically proven to improve indoor air quality and reduce respiratory symptoms,[3] as well as tackling mould which is a big winter issue for many homes. In France, where Puressentiel Purifying Air Spray has been available for more than 15 years, it is prescribed and recommended by one in five doctors and it is also used in hospitals.[4] It is the first essential oils range to appear in the Vidal — the prescribing reference used by French physicians.
Here’s what makes Puressentiel’s Purifying Air Spray so special:
#3. Regularly vacuum
It’s impossible to keep your house spotlessly clean 24/7, but ensuring you devote time to regular cleaning is important. According to the Puressentiel research, four in ten Brits spend more time keeping their home clean since Covid-19. Dr Tim Bond says: “Look for a hoover with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters that can trap more house dust mites than regular vacuum cleaners.”[5]
Ensuring that our indoor air is kept as clean as possible plays a big part in reducing allergic symptoms, as well as coughs, colds and breathing problems. Dr Nisa Aslam reiterates: “The nation’s awareness of how to clean their air, is minimal. But simple lifestyle additions and changes, such as using Puressentiel’s range of natural purifying products, can make all the difference to our health.”
[1] Puressentiel – this research of 2,000 UK based Britons was commissioned by Puressentiel and conducted by Perspectus Global in March 2024.
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560718/
[3] http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/documents/s14213e/ s14213e.pdf#page=227
[4] Data on file (2017_02 ASSAINISSANT_GAMME_DP_FR_ BD.pdf)
[5] https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-016-1889-3
