Mould, pollution, and your immune health

breathing

Have you ever stopped to consider that the mould in your home and the air you breathe indoors could be silently harming your health?

In the UK, respiratory diseases affect 1 in 5 people, with over 12 million individuals suffering from conditions like asthma and COPD. And the air inside your home – where you spend so much of your time – could be making things worse.

Think about the everyday habits that seem harmless: drying clothes indoors on radiators, forgetting to switch on the extractor fan after a steamy shower, or keeping windows shut during the colder months. These common practices can increase moisture levels, encouraging mould to grow. Add to this the invisible pollutants from gas stoves, aerosols, and cleaning products, and you have a recipe for potential respiratory harm.

Nitrogen dioxide from cooking, formaldehyde from furniture, and volatile organic compounds from household sprays can linger in your home, silently affecting your lungs and overall health, especially if you have a pre-existing condition like asthma or COPD.

A recent BBC Radio 4 programme, “Inside Health,” highlighted that cooking over a gas hob can produce pollutants comparable to standing behind a diesel vehicle, particularly when frying with fats or oils. Shocking, isn’t it?

Your home should be a haven for your health, so let’s look at some simple but effective steps to protect yourself and your family.

Improving indoor air quality

  • Ventilation – regularly open windows to allow fresh air to circulate and reduce indoor pollutant levels.
  • Extractor fans – use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove moisture and pollutants directly from these areas.
  • Reduce your aerosol use – limit the use of aerosol products, which can release harmful chemicals into the air.
  • Maintain cleanliness – regularly clean and dust your home to prevent the accumulation of dust mites and mould spores.
  • Consider appliance choices – be aware that gas stoves can emit pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, which may exacerbate respiratory issues.
  • When buying new upholstered furniture, request that it isn’t treated with stain-retardant – it contains volatile organic compounds that you and your family don’t want to be inhaling.

Supporting your immune system

  • Balanced diet – consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to provide essential nutrients that bolster immune function.
  • Hydration – maintain adequate hydration to support overall health and assist in the elimination of toxins.
  • Regular exercise – get moving and engage in regular physical activity to enhance your immune response and respiratory health.
  • Adequate sleep – ensure you’re getting sufficient sleep each night, as rest is crucial for immune system maintenance and repair.
  • Consider supplements – try supplements that help support your immune health, such as vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc.
  • Take probiotics (for life) – incorporating probiotics like our Live Bacteria capsules, into your routine to support gut health, plays a crucial role in maintaining a strong immune system. Foods like yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi can further help promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
  • If you have a lung problem or are prone to regular chest infections, practise diaphragmatic breathing to increase lung function, as illustrated in this video and/or consider using a breathing training device like this one recommended by the NHS.

By making these kinds of small but impactful changes to both your home environment and daily habits, you can significantly reduce the risks of indoor air pollution and mould. Help protect your lungs, boost your immunity, and create a healthier, safer space for you and your loved ones. If you would like to know more about immune-boosting supplement protocols, please get in touch.