5
Ventilation is Vital
C
onstruction methods used in older homes resulted in uncontrolled ventila-
tion via air leaking through the building structure, such as small gaps around
windows and doors or between walls and fl oors. These leaks allowed a large
amount of air to move through a home largely unnoticed by the occupants. Other fac-
tors, such as open fi replaces, people being at home more often and opening windows
to “air” rooms during daytime, all helped maintain reasonable levels of air quality in
homes.
However, because this form of ventilation was uncontrolled, a large proportion of
heat escaped to the outside and more energy was needed to make up for this loss.
Modern homes have greatly reduced air leaks and indoor air quality can deterio-
rate rapidly without the use of products made to control ventilation Chemicals, gases
and moisture produced by everyday
products and activities may lead to the
build up of excessive levels of pollutants
which are harmful to the health of the oc-
cupants and may damage the building.
Poor ventilation can be a major
contributory factor of heart disease, lung
disease, mental illness and many more
threats to our health.
The World Health Organisation and
responsible Governments around the
world recognise the vital importance
of good indoor air quality. That is why
building regulations govern the way homes are designed and built. Once homes are
occupied it is the responsibility of the occupants to make sure they use and maintain
the ventilation products following the guidance provided.
Ventilation an essential ingredient
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