Experts have revealed a surprising reason why you might be coughing more at home - especially in the kitchen.
The often overlooked kitchen hazard that could cause serious coughing is poor ventilation, particularly during cooking, it has been explained. Bathroom and kitchen specialists Plumbworld highlighted how everyday cooking activities can affect indoor air quality and potentially lead to respiratory problems. Here's why:
Concentration of cooking emissions: In the UK, kitchens are frequently small, which can worsen the issue of inadequate ventilation. Cooking generates various emissions, including steam, grease particles, and smoke, particularly when frying or using high-heat cooking methods.
Without sufficient ventilation, these particles can remain in the air, irritating the lungs and throat, often causing coughing as the body attempts to expel them.
Harmful gas accumulation: Gas cookers, common in UK homes, can release nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. Both of these gases can be detrimental to human health, especially when they build up in a poorly ventilated kitchen, reports Bristol Live. Long-term exposure to low levels of these gases can result in respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing, and may worsen conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Couple's housing hell after finding mould on toothbrush and clothes
Mould and damp issues: The UK's typically damp climate can lead to the proliferation of mould and mildew in kitchens, especially in areas lacking proper ventilation. Mould spores are recognised allergens and irritants, capable of causing persistent coughs and other respiratory symptoms when breathed in. Ensuring good airflow helps lower humidity levels, thus preventing mould growth and enhancing air quality.
Interaction with cleaning chemicals: Cleaning products frequently used in kitchens contain chemicals such as ammonia and bleach. These substances can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are respiratory irritants. In a kitchen with poor ventilation, VOCs can build up to levels that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, resulting in coughing and other respiratory problems.
Enhancement of indoor allergen effects: Kitchens often gather common indoor allergens like pet dander, pollen, and dust mites. In spaces with inadequate ventilation, these allergens can reach higher concentrations and become more troublesome, particularly for individuals with allergic respiratory conditions like asthma.
The restricted air exchange intensifies the effects of these allergens, increasing the chances of coughing and respiratory discomfort.
How to deal with poor ventilation
Install adequate ventilation systems: Utilising extractor fans and ensuring they vent to the outside rather than recirculating the air within the kitchen is crucial. This practice is especially important in smaller UK kitchens where airspace is limited.
Regular maintenance: Keeping ventilation systems clean and in good working order is vital. This includes cleaning filters and checking for blockages or mechanical issues that could reduce their efficiency.
Use of air purifiers: For additional air quality improvement, particularly in urban areas or during high pollen seasons, using an air purifier with a HEPA filter can help reduce particulate matter and airborne allergens indoors.
Behavioural adjustments: Simple changes, such as opening windows during and after cooking, using lids on pans to minimise moisture release, and reducing the use of harsh chemical cleaners, can significantly improve kitchen air quality.
A Plumbworld spokesperson said: "To ensure that your kitchen remains a safe and healthy space without overspending, consider using fans strategically during and after cooking. Positioning a standard fan to blow unwanted air out of a window can be an effective way to enhance circulation and reduce indoor pollutants. This method can be particularly cost-effective as it repurposes items you may already have at home, eliminating the need for immediate investment in new appliances.
"It's also wise to keep your cooking practices in check to minimise harmful emissions. Opt for cooking methods that produce less smoke, such as steaming or baking, rather than frying or grilling. This not only helps maintain cleaner indoor air but also reduces the strain on your ventilation system, potentially lowering maintenance costs over time. Keeping your kitchen environment clean and minimising high-emission cooking techniques can have a substantial impact on both air quality and your budget."
Having good friends can slash your risk of 11 silent killers including cancer
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
