According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is responsible for more deaths each year than automobile accidents. You might think you can escape the increasingly polluted environment by staying in your home more and avoiding large cities where outdoor air pollution is greater. Yet studies show that many indoor environments are more polluted than outdoor ones. In fact, indoor air pollution accounts for 1.6 million deaths each year worldwide. Where does indoor pollution come from? Many of the sources of air pollution are things we bring into our homes and some of them may surprise you. Here are six surprising pollutants that can downgrade the quality of the air in your home.
Candles
Candles, especially scented ones, are popular and some people believe the aroma from these sconces helps them relax. However, researchers at South Carolina State University discovered that paraffin candles, derived from petroleum, release a variety of chemicals, including benzenes and alkenes. Studies link these chemicals with a higher risk of cancer and liver and nerve damage. At the very least, we need not breathe in chemicals like this regularly.
Your best bet is to skip the candles or buy soy candles instead. Another clean-burning alternative is beeswax candles. As far as we know, they don’t release these chemicals, although it’s not clear whether they’re entirely safe. If you burn paraffin candles, make sure you have good ventilation in your home.
Printers
These days, most people have a printer in their home or office. Each time you print something, the printer releases tiny particles from the toner or ink along with ozone. Some printers are worse than others at releasing pollutants, so research which are the worst particle and ozone emitters before buying your next printer. Regardless, set up a printer in an area with good ventilation, and try to keep it in an area away from your workspace. Colored printers release the largest quantity of unhealthy particles.
Furniture
Furniture sounds harmless enough, right? But not always. Studies show that furniture made from pressed wood or particleboard releases formaldehyde, a probable cancer-causing chemical. Formaldehyde is a chemical used to preserve things, especially in a medical setting, and is an active ingredient in embalming fluid. In fact, funeral directors exposed to formaldehyde-containing embalming fluid have a three times higher risk of developing the dreaded neurological disease called ALS. The problem with particleboard is that it’s not solid wood. Instead, manufacturers glue small particles of wood together and the glue releases formaldehyde. It’s safer to choose solid wood and skip the particleboard. If you already have it, make sure your house is well ventilated. Open a window and let in some fresh air!
Air Fresheners
They may smell fruity or flowery, but these air-clearing fragrances aren’t so good for your health. Most contain chemicals called phthalates that disrupt hormones in animal studies. In fact, many products with fragrance contain chemicals called phthalates. You won’t find them listed on the label since the FDA allows a manufacturer to include them under the umbrella term of “fragrance.” But if you have a product that contains added fragrance, it likely contains phthalates.
How can you avoid these endocrine-disrupting chemicals? Stick to more natural ways to keep the air in your home smelling clean. Add plants to your living environment and open the window on a pretty day and let some outdoor air in, assuming you don’t live in a big city with lots of pollution. Avoid aerosol sprays and plug-in air fresheners too.
Dust and Mold
If the humidity level in your home is too high, it can lead to mold overgrowth. Higher humidity keeps your nasal passages moist. That’s important since moist mucous membranes make it harder for viruses to gain a foothold and cause a respiratory infection. However, too much humidity supports the growth of mold. Keep the humidity of your home between 35% and 50% for optimal health. Keep your home clean too! When you walk around outdoors, you can track pesticides and undesirable particles from the outside. Clean your shoes before coming inside to avoid dragging what’s outdoors inside.
Radon
Did you know that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking? Plus, many homes in the United States have unhealthy levels of radon, placing their owners at risk. The risk is greatest for people who have a history of smoking since cigarette smoke and radon have synergistic effects on lung tissue. Radon forms from the radioactive decay of urine in soil and rocks. The colorless, odorless gas can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation and build up, especially on the lower floors of a home, such as the basement. When you breathe in this high-energy gas, it can damage lung tissue and increase the risk of lung cancer.
Because radon in homes is common, everyone should test their home to ensure the radon level isn’t too high. You can buy a test kit at many hardware stores and home centers. If the test shows your home contains too much radon, consult a radon mitigation service. They can install a filter that lowers the amount of radon in your home. If you or any members of your family are smokers or previous smokers, it’s even more important that you lower the amount of radon in your home if it’s above acceptable levels.
The Bottom Line
Now, you know some things that can downgrade the air quality in your home. Pollution isn’t just on the outside, your home is just as likely to be a source. Sometimes, we contribute to indoor air pollution by what we buy or bring into the house. Other times, it can be an intrinsic problem like radon. Nevertheless, it’s good to do an assessment and make sure the air in your home is clean to breathe.
References:
- com. “Air Pollution”
- com. “Breathe Easy: 5 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality”
- MedLine Plus, “Indoor Air Pollution”
- org. “Indoor Air Pollution”
- NPR Shots. “Candlelight: A Dash of Toxin With Your Romance?”
- Fox News. “Dangers of formaldehyde lurk in everyday products”