Indoor Air Quality Project

We spend up to 90% of our lives indoors, the air inside really matters.

Why is indoor air quality important to talk about?

Air pollution is the biggest environmental health risk in the world. When we breathe polluted air, it can affect our lungs, hearts and even our brains. It can also trigger symptoms of conditions like asthma and heart disease. And because we spend up to 90% of our lives indoors at home, at school, at work, or in shops and public buildings, the air inside really matters. In fact, some indoor spaces can have higher pollution levels than outdoors.

Some people are more vulnerable to indoor air pollution than others:

What are we doing?

As part of our Air Quality Action Plan 2022-2027, we have set up initiatives to help residents understand and improve indoor air quality in Lewisham and improve the health of those who live, work and study in the borough.

Working with nurseries and care homes:

  • older people and children are particularly vulnerable to indoor air pollution’s health impacts
  • to monitor air quality inside their buildings and explore ways to improve it

Working with schools:

  • young people need healthy indoor environments to learn and grow in
  • we’re working with students at primary and secondary schools to monitor air quality inside their buildings and explore ways to improve it

What can you do?

Harmful air pollution can come from many sources indoors. By making a few changes, you can make a big difference to everyone’s health.

Ventilation:

  • opening windows or using the extractor fan while showering helps to reduce moisture and prevent mould
  • drying clothes outside, or inside using a dehumidifier/ tumble dryer, helps to reduce moisture and prevent mould
  • opening windows or using the extractor fan when cooking helps to remove steam, smoke, and toxic gases

Cleaning and household products:

  • high-chemical cleaning, beauty sprays and aerosols can affect indoor air quality
  • liquid/solid cleaning products made from natural ingredients are better for indoor air quality
  • vacuuming regularly can help to remove dust and other allergens, like pet hair

Indoor burning:

  • burning anything indoors creates air pollution
  • cigarette smoke, wood burners, candles, incense, and coal fires all worsen indoor air quality

Carbon monoxide:

  • faulty boilers can release carbon monoxide - carbon monoxide is a silent killer - have your boiler serviced by a qualified professional at least once a year
  • install a carbon monoxide alarm in all rooms containing fuel burning appliances

Outdoor air pollution:

  • closing windows near busy roads during rush hour helps to limit how much outdoor pollution comes inside

Want to find out more?

Download our guide to healthier air indoors:

For external information and resources on indoor air quality, visit: