 during the Covid-19 pandemic, said: 'I have a real concern that some of the things people are doing actually have a compounding effect. 'So if you are at home, for example, and you don't turn the heating on and you keep the window shut, not only have you reduced ventilation, but you've also created a condition where you might get more damp and mould, which has a knock-on effect of impacting your health.' She explained that previous research by her team found that being in a room with fresh air can reduce the risk of Covid infection from airborne droplets by up to 70 per cent. Covid infections have fallen in recent weeks and studies have found the Omicron strain is milder than those that have come before it. However, people are still catching the bug along with other respiratory illnesses such as flu. With that in mind, Prof Noakes said the importance of managing ventilation at home goes beyond Covid){kind=link}
THE way Brits heat their homes this winter could be causing serious damage to their health, experts have warned.
As the cost of living crisis continues to pinch pockets across the nation, many people are doing their best to keep themselves warm as cheaply as possible.
But a leading expert has warned there is a “massive conundrum” where people are taking steps to reduce costs, but at the same time reducing ventilation in their home, causing problems.
What’s more, many are adding new pollutants to indoor air by burning wood or cooking with the windows closed.
Professor of environmental engineering for buildings at the University of Leeds, Cath Noakes, said this will make people more vulnerable to health risks and accelerate infection spread.