{"id":29593,"date":"2025-03-07T09:49:39","date_gmt":"2025-03-07T09:49:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/?p=29593"},"modified":"2025-03-07T09:57:41","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T09:57:41","slug":"books-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/bedroom\/books-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Are your unread books affecting your wellbeing? Top tips to keep a healthy reading room"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Research from Shutterly Fabulous<\/a> has shown that the unread pile of books in your bedroom can lead to significant dust and mould build-up – which can come with health risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, how are books bad for health? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The average home has 138 books, with over half remaining unread – this can lead to poor indoor air quality and potential health issues like respiratory diseases and allergies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dust consists of tiny particles from various sources, including soil, pollen, mould spores and fibres from textiles. <\/p>

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Plus, books can slowly rot over time if they are regularly exposed to moisture, heat and light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A growing problem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The research showed that many Brits buy books with the intention of reading them but often let them pile up instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a phenomenon known as ‘tsundoku’ – and it happens to millions of people across the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The prolonged exposure to dust and mould can lead to chronic respiratory diseases, allergies and other health problems – and mould exposure can cause coughing, sneezing and throat irritation. <\/p>

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Mould spores can begin to grow within 24-48 hours in a dusty, uncleaned environment – especially if there’s high humidity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your bedroom has poor ventilation it’s more likely to have increased humidity, meaning books are more likely to rot or be damaged, when neglected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Five hacks to help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here, Shutterley Fabulous has shared five simple hacks to combat the effects of poor indoor quality…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regular cleaning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Making sure to hoover any rugs, carpets and floors as well as dusting once or twice a week will help control dust or mould build-up and growth. <\/p>

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Regular cleaning and washing of bedding, curtains and other items that attract dust will also ensure a cleaner environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decluttering<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Regularly decluttering bookshelves and other areas will reduce the dust and stop the problem getting too out of hand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider donating or selling on any books that are no longer required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ventilation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows regularly to allow fresh air to circulate. <\/p>

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This will help to control humidity and prevent mould growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use dehumidifiers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

High humidity levels will create an ideal environment for mould growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investing in and using a dehumidifier will help control any excess humidity and make the room less likely to promote mould growth.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eco-friendly products<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Choosing non toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products will mean they are less likely to spread harmful chemicals and contribute to indoor pollution within your home.<\/p>

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\u00a0READ MORE<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n