Reports from Allergy UK estimate that at least 12 million people up and down the country are allergic to their own home. ‘Sick building syndrome’ has been identified as a genuine health condition used to describe symptoms such as nausea, headaches and tiredness that are linked to people spending time inside certain buildings.

Volatile Organic Compounds – or VOCs as they’re often known – are invisible gases that can lead to many health problems.

The Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks calculates there are up to 900 chemicals in indoor air, with negative side-effects much more common in properties without adequate ventilation. In fact, figures from the Environmental Protection Agency show the air inside homes could be 70 per cent more polluted than it is outdoors!

After certain activities such as cleaning and stripping paint, VOC levels could be as much as 1,000 times higher than background outdoor levels, making the need to limit exposure even more important. With many people planning home renovations and spring cleaning at this time of year, the risks to homeowners are greater than ever.

VOCs originate from a wide range of sources including cosmetics, air fresheners and permanent markers. While not much can be done about gases being emitted in the first place, homeowners can take steps to protect themselves and their families.

Peter Haynes, Product Manager at ventilation specialist EnviroVent, said: “Exposure to these gases poses a real threat to homeowners and most of the time, they don’t even realise it.

“VOCs can be found in everything from office equipment to items of furniture.  Having an effective ventilation system fitted to dilute and control VOCs in the home can certainly help.”

Homeowners are taking action against the effect of poor indoor air quality and EnviroVent has seen an increase in demand for Positive Input Ventilation systems.

EnviroVent’s Mr Venty ECO₂ ventilation system minimises pollutants in the home by supplying a constant stream of fresh filtered air that’s drawn in from the outside atmosphere.

VOCs may affect homeowners throughout the year, but some sufferers of seasonal health conditions, such as hay fever and pollen allergies, have noticed improvements in their condition when an effective ventilation system is fitted. A PIV system from EnviroVent supplies fresh air into the home and helps to control pollutants entering the indoor atmosphere, which can have a positive impact on health.  EnviroVent’s PIV systems also reduce humidity levels in the home, which helps to reduce condensation and mould growth.

For more information on effective ventilation solutions, contact EnviroVent by visiting the website www.envirovent.com or by calling 0345 272 7807.