Air Quality Matters

Send us a text What happens when the UK's medical establishment declares air pollution a public health emergency? The Royal College of Physicians' latest report "A Breath of Fresh Air" delivers a wake-up call that transforms how we understand pollution's impact on our bodies and minds. The science has evolved dramatically since their 2016 assessment. While annual pollution...

Send us a text The gap between what we know and what we build has never been more troubling. While we have centuries of construction knowledge at our fingertips, today's housing often fails at the most fundamental levels of health, comfort, and efficiency. Sarah Daly, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Sustainable Communities at Agile Homes, brings a refreshing perspective to this challenge....

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2264976/open_sms) We dive into a fascinating paper that quantifies respiratory disease burden from formaldehyde, damp and mold in English housing. Using Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) as a metric, researchers reveal the hidden health costs of poor housing conditions while highlighting significant data gaps that could mean we'r...

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2264976/open_sms) Research reveals that a mother's exposure to air pollution during pregnancy could significantly increases her child's risk of developing asthma, suggesting that our respiratory health journey begins before we take our first breath.  The study conducted in China tracked mothers and their children from 2015-2018, analy...

Send us a text What happens when a pediatrician who codes and a psychologist studying technology acceptance walk into a built environment conference? Sometimes the most illuminating perspectives come from the margins. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Olivia Swan, a pediatric infectious disease consultant and data scientist, and Dan Bowers, head of Psychology at the University of South Wales, t...

Send us a text We explore a paper examining the future of residential air quality and its environmental justice implications. This research highlights how poor indoor air quality disproportionately affects disadvantaged communities, creating a "triple jeopardy" of higher exposure, greater health burdens, and limited resources to address the problem. • Indoor air can be more polluted than...

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2264976/open_sms) The quality of air we breathe in our homes directly impacts our health, yet the ventilation systems responsible for delivering that air are failing at alarming rates. In this eye-opening conversation with Barry Cope, Group Managing Director of ATMA and SITMA, we delve into the troubling disconnect between air tightne...

Send us a text The quality of air we breathe in our homes directly impacts our health, yet the ventilation systems responsible for delivering that air are failing at alarming rates. In this eye-opening conversation with Barry Cope, Group Managing Director of ATMA and SITMA, we delve into the troubling disconnect between air tightness testing (which has improved dramatically) and ventilation commis...

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2264976/open_sms) The revolutionary "clean air as a service" business model is transforming how we approach indoor air quality in challenging environments.  Rather than simply selling filtration equipment with uncertain outcomes, companies like Clairco are guaranteeing results through a comprehensive system of monitoring, analytics, a...

Send us a text We explore the art of communicating technical subjects effectively with PR expert Liz Male MBE, focusing on how consistency in messaging builds trust and the power of storytelling to convey complex information. • Communications in the built environment have improved but remain inconsistent across the industry • Consistency in messaging is essential for building trust with your audie...

Send us a text David Pierpoint discusses how skills and training are key to improving quality in our built environment, drawing from his 15 years of experience developing the retrofit sector through The Retrofit Academy. • Industry struggles with consistent quality in both retrofit and ventilation sectors • Government funding often focuses on single measures rather than holistic retrofit • Ventila...

Send us a text In this episode, we delve into the intricate relationship between mould, our built environments, and health. Hector Altamirano shares insights on how mould serves as a messenger for underlying issues in our homes, the potential health impacts of mould exposure, and the importance of fostering healthier living conditions. • Exploring the binary discussion surrounding damp and mould ...

Send us a text Indoor air quality is an often-overlooked issue that directly impacts public health, especially for individuals with chronic illnesses. Plum Stone, founder of the Safer Air Project, emphasizes the need for better air quality standards to ensure accessibility and inclusion for vulnerable populations. Through personal anecdotes and professional expertise, she sheds light on the urgent...

Send us a text This episode emphasises the vital connection between indoor air quality and building sustainability, featuring insights from expert Jeff Colley. The discussion covers advancements in air-tightness standards, the importance of empirical data, the challenges of communication in the industry, and the necessity for robust regulatory frameworks that promote sustainable building practices...

Send us a text This episode explores the challenges traditional buildings face regarding air quality and moisture management, featuring expert John Edwards. We discuss the skills gap in the construction industry, the need for training, effective measurement and monitoring practices for air quality, and the importance of adapting our approaches to heritage conservation. • Importance of understandin...

Send us a text The podcast episode explores the intricate relationship between sound quality, health, and ventilation systems in our built environments. It discusses the direct and indirect impacts of noise on human health, emphasizing the importance of considering acoustics in air quality management. Key points include non-acoustic factors influencing annoyance and the need for updated regulation...

Send us a text Understanding the intersection of low-cost sensors and advanced environmental technology is crucial for enhancing air quality monitoring. The episode features an insightful conversation with Nels Anderson, who discusses the emergence of near reference grade sensors, the evolving role of occupational hygienists, and the impact of COVID-19 on air quality expectations. • The significan...

Send us a text What if the air you breathe indoors is affecting your health more than you realise? Join us for a discussion with Joakim Lindh, Airthings' Head of Strategic Growth, as we uncover the evolving priorities in indoor air quality monitoring. Explore how Airthings is pivoting its strategy in 2024 to create environments centered around people rather than just buildings. From post-COVI...

Send us a text Ever wondered how the air we breathe indoors is being monitored with cutting-edge technology? Join us in this enlightening episode of Air Quality Matters as we sit down with Maria Figols, the Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of inBiot, who shares her journey from technical architecture in Spain to leading innovations in sensor technology. Discover how the evolution from bulky...

Send us a text A healthier home environment with Tim Sharp, head of architecture at the University of Strathclyde. Our latest episode challenges the notion that energy efficiency can coexist with optimal indoor air quality without regular testing and innovation. Join us as we address the widespread misconceptions surrounding ventilation in both new and existing UK homes, emphasizing the necessity...

Send us a text Join us as we explore the significant transformations in building safety regulations in the UK with Peter Rankin, a leading expert from the Health and Safety Executive. Following the tragic Grenfell Tower fire, sweeping changes have reshaped the landscape of building safety, led by the establishment of the Building Safety Regulator under the Building Safety Act. You'll gain a d...

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2264976/open_sms) How much do you really know about the air you breathe indoors?  On Air Quality Matters, we uncover the often-overlooked significance of accurate ventilation measurement, which is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality.  With startling facts revealing that indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air, w...

Send us a text Struggling with a mysterious illness, Brandon discovered that the culprit was closer to home than he ever imagined—mold. Join us as Brandon, from the Change the Air Foundation, shares his journey through mold-related health issues and how it ignited his passion for advocacy. Through his insights, we unpack the staggering reality that so many American buildings may harbour this hidde...

Send us a text With remote work becoming the norm and health-focused living spaces on the rise, we unpack the evolution of building standards like the WELL Building Standard and their impact on both residential and professional environments. Learn how Fortune 500 companies are taking proactive steps to maintain air quality for remote workers, ensuring healthier, more productive workspaces. We&apos...

Send us a text Optimizing ventilation performance with Tom Hayward, the MVHR department manager at 21 Degrees, shares his expertise on how prioritizing performance specifications over product specifications can transform ventilation solutions. This episode promises a deep dive into the nuances of Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems and their critical role in improving indoor a...