World Asthma Day: Home design tips to improve indoor air quality

World Asthma Day is an event organised every year by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), a medical guidelines organisation to promote asthma awareness and care globally. It is held on the first Tuesday in May. Exposure to environmental allergens and indoor and outdoor pollution are among the major factors that cause asthma. In this article, we will explain some easy ways to design your home suited for asthma and allergy sufferers and improve indoor air quality.

Table of Contents

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a respiratory problem in which the airways in the lungs become narrowed and swollen, causing difficulty in breathing. Around 260 million worldwide have been affected by asthma, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Some major causes of asthma include air pollution, family history, allergies, occupational exposures like chemical fumes, wood dust, etc. smoking, and obesity.

Tips on healthy home design for asthma and allergy sufferers

The presence of moulds, house dust mites, pollens, or exposure to dust, chemicals, or fumes can trigger asthma symptoms. By choosing the right construction material, coating and interior décor items, you can reduce exposure to such irritants and create a healthy environment.

HVAC system

Proper ventilation and airflow management inside the house are crucial to reduce the presence of allergens inside the home. The Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system aids in maintaining good air quality. Make sure to conduct routine maintenance of the HVAC system, to improve its efficiency and reduce asthma triggers. Regularly change filters to let the system function properly.

Construction materials

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to health, are present in paints, plywood, floor finishes and cleaning agents. The levels of VOCs may be higher inside houses than outside and can trigger asthma in children and adults alike. Choose environmentally friendly products with zero or low VOC when it comes to home design. Consider water-based paints, those with low odour, which are safer for asthma patients.

Flooring

Carpets or rugs tend to attract dust, which can be harmful to an asthmatic. Hard surface floorings, such as hardwood, stone, or tile flooring, are most suitable for allergy and asthma sufferers. These flooring materials do not capture mould, dust mites or other allergens. Avoid laminate, bamboo, and other mass-produced floors that may have higher VOC levels.

Interior décor

Choose bedding, including throw pillows and duvets, which are removable and washable. Leather or faux leather can be a perfect material for upholstered headboards or furniture for those suffering from allergies. The material brings warmth and texture to the space while not catching allergens like fabric does.

Low allergen garden

Avoid plants having strong fragrances or odours, especially near house entrances or windows. Choose low or no-pollen grass that does not need regular mowing. Weed the home garden regularly to avoid weeds flowering, or seeding. Grow plants that help improve indoor air quality. These include peace lily, Areca Palm, bamboo palm, English ivy, and snake plant.

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Harini Balasubramanian

Harini is a content management professional with over 12 years of experience. She has contributed articles for various domains, including real estate, finance, health and travel insurance and e-governance. She has in-depth experience in writing well-researched articles on property trends, infrastructure, taxation, real estate projects and related topics. A Bachelor of Science with Honours in Physics, Harini prefers reading motivational books and keeping abreast of the latest developments in the real estate sector.