Media Release
From the Building and Plumbing Commission
27 July 2009
Improve your home’s air quality to make you healthier
The air in your home is made up of natural and man-made gases and small particles, some of
which may affect your health.
The term 'indoor air quality' (IAQ) is used to describe the overall quality of the air inside
buildings. Indoor air may include pollutants and allergens that are quite different from those
found outside and is therefore given special distinction.
Indoor air quality is predicted to be on average four times more polluted than outdoor air and
many Australian's spend approximately 90% of their time indoors.
Poor IAQ may cause a range of health effects from fairly mild symptoms such as tiredness and
headaches, to unexplained health problems and severe allergic reactions. Approximately 40% of
Australian's are affected by allergies.
If you do experience health problems that you think may be related to poor IAQ, please ensure
that you discuss these with your doctor or health professional.
The following tips will help you improve your home’s IAQ:
Eliminate or remove the source where possible
Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate
Don't smoke inside
Place doormats and leave footwear at entrances
Ventilate home office spaces when using printers and photocopiers
Use appropriate personal protective equipment when handling chemicals and carrying
out activities where there may be personal risk
Use low/no VOC products - avoid using fly sprays, pesticides, air fresheners, strong
smelling cleaning products, and choose low/no VOC building materials, paints and
furnishings where possible
Fix plumbing leaks ASAP and make sure the area is dry before painting or sealing. Don't
let mould grow or build up.
If someone in the home has allergies to dust or asthma vacuum with a ducted system or
with a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
Vent gas appliances to the outside of the home
To learn more about these tips, ways to save on heating and cooling costs and making your
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