Common Household Products That Pollute Your Home’s Air
Every day, we expose ourselves to numerous pollutants that can harm our health, both outside and inside our homes. While you are probably aware of outdoor air pollution due to the news, air pollution inside your home can be somewhat of a surprise. In the US, people spend an average of 90% of their time indoors, so exposure to airborne pollutants inside their homes is more harmful than we think. Your household may contain pollutants that reduce your indoor air quality. In this article, we’ll explore common household products that pollute your home’s air.
1. Cleaning Products
Although you seek to maintain a hygienic environment, the harsh chemicals in cleaning products can be detrimental to your health. Cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause damage to your respiratory system. Typically, these chemicals are found in products like furniture polish, air fresheners, and oven cleaners. When using cleaning products, ensure your home is well-ventilated, or better still, opt for natural cleaning alternatives.
2. Pesticides
One of the surest ways to keep pests out of your home is through pesticides. However, these substances can cause respiratory and skin irritation and may trigger allergies. Whenever possible, try different natural pest control methods, such as organic sprays or diatomaceous earth. If you have to use pesticides, read the label to ensure proper safety instructions.
3. Candles and Incense
Candles and incense can produce a pleasant aroma that often creates a relaxed atmosphere, but you might not know that they release VOCs too. These pollutants can sometimes irritate your lungs and may cause headaches. If you can’t resist the lovely scent of candles and incense, choose fragrance-free, beeswax options that burn slowly.
4. Paints and Stains
Freshening up your walls or furniture is an excellent way to give your home a new look. However, when this is done with solvent-based paints and stains, the pollutants released can be harmful. The paint fumes can cause damage to your central nervous system, and the stains can cause skin and respiratory irritation. If possible, use water-based paints and stains that have low VOC content instead.
5. Furniture and Carpets
Many people ignore their furniture and carpets as potential sources of indoor pollutants. However, carpet fumes and upholstery fabric contain polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and other harmful chemicals that can pollute your home’s air and affect your respiratory system in the long run. Opt for low or no-VOC paints and carpets made of natural, organic materials to keep your home breathable and safe.
Conclusion
We should prioritize the quality of the air that we breathe every day. It's vital to keep our homes clean and sanitized; however, this article has shown that some of the products we use for that can do more harm than good. Be mindful of the household products that you use and always prioritize natural, organic options that are better suited for your health and your family’s as well. If you're looking for an HVAC supplier in Florida, contact Discount Air Supply today for more information on how to keep your home's air quality clean and healthy.