MONTEREY, California (March 21, 2020) – As we all work to cope with the changes that are happening due to coronavirus (COVID-19), Hayward Score is committed to bringing you fact-based, expert resources to help you and your family live in a home that supportive of good health. – Bill Hayward, CEO & Founder Hayward Score
As we are all coming to terms with an issue of enormous scale and human impact, our thoughts are with everyone globally as we are confronted by the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Hayward Score was founded to help people understand the impact their home had on their health and to provide actionable, evidence-based advice to address issues. We are on a mission to transform health by transforming housing.
With schools and business closing and other precautions being implemented, we believe that the relationship between people and their homes is about to undergo a dramatic and unprecedented change.
For the next few weeks, and possibly longer, our homes will also become classrooms, workspaces, playgrounds, movie theaters, gyms, and much more. Adults, children, and pets will spend more time indoors, doing all activities of daily living. This will likely result in big changes to the indoor environment, which may already be under stress. And changes to the indoor environment can manifest in changes to occupant health and well-being.
As you and your family adjust to whatever the “new normal” is for you, we’d like to share three simple things you can do right now to make your home more comfortable and supportive of good health:
- Open the windows. Fresh air will dilute contaminants in indoor spaces, including viruses and CO21 (makes your house feel stuffy and causes foggy thinking!) Ideally, keep a few windows on opposite sides of the house and each floor cracked open (½ -1”) all the time (you should feel airflow on the back of your hand). Otherwise, open them 5-6x a day for at least 15 minutes. Make this part of your new stay indoors routine.
- Limit chemical cleaners. You’ll likely be cleaning more often which means exposure to more VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which are known to have health effects. Unfragranced soap and water are sufficient for routine cleaning of skin and surfaces. Otherwise, choose products without fragrance or toxic chemicals. EPA “Safer Choice” products are a good place to start.
- Add filtration. Like increased ventilation, increased filtration is helpful in reducing the spread of pathogens and generally decreasing exposure to particulate matter. Upgrade to a high-efficiency (MERV 13 or equivalent) filter if possible. You can also DIY an inexpensive filtered box fan. Click here to learn more.
Keep checking back. We’ll continue to provide supportive resources to help you and your family stay well at home during this time.
Regards,
Bill Hayward
Founder and CEO
Learn more at HaywardScore.com and COVID page link click here.
