Air pollution refers to any harmful substances in the air including gases, chemicals, particles or biological matter that can affect human health or the environment. 

Data from the World Health Organisation shows that almost all of the global population breathe air that exceeds healthy limits, with low- and middle-income countries suffering from the highest exposure to pollutants. 

Poor air quality inside the home has been linked to: 

• Breathing difficulties and asthma 
• Increased risk of respiratory infections 
• Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat 
• Headaches, fatigue and concentration issues 
• Long-term cardiovascular and lung diseases 

Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing conditions are most at risk, but poor air quality can affect all of us. And because we spend so much time indoors, our indoor environment plays a major role in long-term health. 

The most effective way to reduce your air pollution when cooking would be to eliminate it entirely by upgrading to an electric hob. But, if that’s not a suitable solution for you right now, using an extractor fan and opening windows while cooking can significantly reduce exposure to harmful particles, as well as minimising odours and moisture build up. 

Using dehumidifiers in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms or basements can help prevent mould from developing in the first place. But our favourite hack is one simple habit borrowed from Germany called lüften. It entails fully opening all the windows and doors in your house for 10-15 minutes every single day to let fresh air circulate and reduce humidity. Yep, even in the wintertime. It’s a quick, free way to bring fresh air in and let moisture out – and lüften is said to improve sleep as well. 

The cleanest air is air that hasn’t been polluted in the first place, and that’s where switching to a heat pump comes in. Gas boilers, which burn fuel and release pollutants, are currently the biggest source of air pollution in central London. Alternatively, air source heat pumps run on electricity and produce no on-site emissions. Plus, they’re highly efficient, helping to cut your carbon footprint and keep you warm at the same time.  

Most people don’t realise that the air pollution from cars doesn’t just affect busy city streets – it also seeps into our homes, especially if you live near a busy road. Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) not only cuts your personal carbon footprint but helps reduce local air pollution, benefiting everyone – including you and your neighbours. And with more renewable electricity on the grid, EVs are becoming cleaner every year. 

The data confirms what we already know – being in nature makes us happy. Exposure to fresh air and natural sunlight has a powerful effect on our moods. By boosting serotonin production in the brain, getting outside helps us to regulate our moods and feel uplifted. Even a short walk around the block, a coffee in the garden, or opening up the back door while you work can make a huge difference to your health and wellbeing.