Products That Can Lower Air Quality
Homeowners can control the air they breathe inside their homes.
Low air quality can affect the overall health and well-being of an individual. While most focus on the contaminants present outdoors, studies by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggest that indoor air is up to five times more polluted than outdoor air.
The fact that the average individual spends 90% of their time indoors makes this study more concerning. Few homeowners realize that commonly used household products contribute significantly to polluting the indoor environment.
In this post, we discuss a few household products regularly used in our homes that can lower the air quality.
Paint
Near-empty paint cans stored in the home or garage can lower the indoor air quality as they release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may impact breathing. Consider buying low VOC paints or safely dispose of the empty cans immediately after a new paint job.
Aerosol sprays
Aerosol sprays like hair spray, foaming agents, room deodorizers, spray paint, and other similar products are hazardous to the indoor air and pollute the outdoor air. These spray products are full of VOCs that are harmful when inhaled. When these products are used in a home, the HVAC system can spread the VOCs throughout the house. The best way to ensure better indoor air quality is to minimize the use of these products or look for all-natural alternatives.
Cleaning products
Cleaners—including floor or furniture polish, detergents, and dishwashing liquids—are some of the most common indoor pollutants. While they may keep the home clean and smelling fresh, these cleaning supplies are loaded with chemicals and release hazardous airborne particles. Directly inhaling these chemicals can have immediate or long-term health effects.
Instead, homeowners can opt for unscented cleaners, natural cleaning products, or prepare a homemade cleaner from common and inexpensive kitchen products like baking soda, vinegar, and water.
Candles
Candles, especially scented candles, impact the home air quality. While candles are great for creating a warm, romantic, and calm ambiance, burning them in an enclosed space can release particulate matter or harmful formaldehyde, which can cause headaches, breathing issues, lung inflammation, and allergic reactions. Consider replacing scented candles with candles made from soy or beeswax.
Air fresheners
A bottle of air freshener comes loaded with different chemicals. They smell great, but the ingredients can cause coughing, asthma attacks, allergic reactions, migraines, and breathing problems. Instead of air fresheners, use a fan or open a window to circulate fresh air.
Constant, long-term exposure to these products can trigger asthma attacks, allergies, respiratory illnesses, strokes, heart diseases, COPD, and lung cancer. Homeowners can control the air they breathe inside their homes.
Contact indoor air specialists at a local HVAC company to assess the air quality and suggest appropriate steps to make the indoor air clean, fresh, and safe. Professionals can offer efficient solutions to achieve the best possible air quality.
When you need heating or refrigeration service, maintenance, or repair, call us at Affordable Comfort A/C and Heating 602-574-1205.
