Healthy home: health preserved. How to make your interior healthier?

Since we spend a large part of our lives indoors (about 80% of our time) , it is important that we take care of our accommodation in order to best preserve our health.

What is a healthy home? To start, we'll explain why a healthy home is first and foremost healthy air. Breathing well at home means in particular avoiding internal sources of pollutants, which are multiple and sometimes surprising. Humidity is also an important factor because it promotes the development of biological pollutants such as mites and molds. You must therefore ventilate and ventilate your home. But ventilation lets in external pollutants… so what to do? And beyond the quality of the air, what are the solutions to have a home where life is good?Read on we tell you more!

Healthy air, the first criterion for a healthy home

Poor indoor air quality can have a variety of health effects, ranging from mild symptoms, such as headache, fatigue or lethargy, to more serious effects, such as worsening of asthma or long-term lung cancer ... The Indoor Air Quality Observatory estimates that air pollution interior could cause 20,000 deaths per year in France. In addition, allergists confirm that pollution indoor and outdoor air worsens and promotes pollen allergies. Among the most sensitive to air pollution: the elderly, infants and young children. The elderly are particularly sensitive to air pollution due to the decrease in their anti- oxidising and the adaptive capacity of their defense system. Also, infants and young children are very vulnerable to air pollution, due to their respiratory and immune systems still underway. development. Worrisome when we know that our children spend a large part of their time at school and that 3 out of 5 classrooms are not equipped with ventilation and air treatment devices. This is why air quality plays a fundamental role in our health.

When you notice that your house has a bad odor, (cigarette smoke, food odors), you may be tempted to mask this uncomfortable odor with incense or using a scented candle. However, it is a short-term and harmful solution for your health. Indeed, certain candles and incense can contribute to indoor air pollution by emitting carcinogenic toxins (benzene, toluene, formaldehyde ...). This pollution not only discolours walls and ceilings, but can also contaminate the ducts of your ventilation system. Sprays and aerosols also produce many allergens, endocrine disruptors, and many substances that affect the airways. In conclusion, be aware that cleansers have no odors. The " "good" odors only camouflage bad ones and generally emit substances harmful to the organism.

Humidity, a risk factor

The humidity that causes molds

In fact to live in healthy home, the indoor air should be neither too humid nor too dry.

Too humid air can cause mold. In a recent study by the Indoor Air Quality Observatory, it was found that 37% of homes have mold. Exposure to mold can cause varying symptoms: irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, increased frequency and severity of asthma attacks, as well as chronic fatigue and headaches . It is important to watch for the appearance of green or blackish stains on walls, floors and ceilings, in hot and humid rooms. On the other hand, too dry air can cause asthma attacks in the most sensitive people and irritate the mucous membrane of the eyes. European standards state that the humidity should be between 30 and 70%. So avoid overheating your rooms to maintain this humidity level. The APQAI, Association for the Promotion of Indoor Air Quality, recommends a temperature between 19 and 20 ° in the living rooms, and between 17 and 18 ° in the bedrooms. If the air is too dry, you can opt for an air humidifier.

Humidity, the preferred environment of mites

Mites can appear when the humidity is too high. These parasites feed on human skin, animal hair and mold. By fighting humidity and high temperature, you will prevent their proliferation. It is best to avoid textile fabrics in your furnishings. Carpets, curtains and bedding contain all kinds of allergens such as dust mites, dust and pollen ... If you are sensitive, it is best to clean your carpet properly (with baking soda for example). In addition, it is advisable to wash and change your sheets every week or every two weeks.

A healthy ... and serene home

Living in peace

Unwanted noise in homes can be a source of stress and fatigue. In fact, these disturb concentration, rest, and above all sleep . If you live in a noisy area with lots of road and pedestrian traffic, street noise can be disruptive. Engines, horns and sirens are common and can easily disturb your sleep or concentration. Hence the importance of good insulation. In addition, a well soundproofed house provides a certain serenity and preserves your nights.

Green plants

In 2010, the French research program on phyto-purification of air "Phytair" tested the depolluting capacities of indoor plants. Result: the presence of potted plants under normal conditions of occupation had no formal effect on indoor air pollution . However, indoor plants can bring a touch of nature and make your home more harmonious. If you are purchasing indoor plants, make sure they are non-allergenic. Water them regularly without letting the water stagnate to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Feng Shui: for a home where life is good

Green plants can also have a big impact on Feng Shui in a room. Feng Shui is based on the flow of energy, "chi" . Having strong energy, plants therefore have the power to improve energy of your accommodation. A Feng Shui house is a house where the 5 elements are well distributed, where Yin and Yang are in balance, it is a house in harmony with your living space . Feng Shui allows you to improve your daily, to promote your health and thus your well-being. A Feng Shui house is a house where the 5 elements are well distributed, where Yin and Yang are in balance, it is a house in harmony with your living space . Feng Shui allows you to improve your daily, to promote your health and thus your well-being.