The state of health is heavily dependent on indoor air quality, as we spend a lot of time there. Ordinary items you use daily can emit invisible harmful substances that negatively affect your well-being.
You may think that the air quality in your home is perfectly fine, especially if there are no unpleasant odors. However, every day you may be facing an invisible source of danger — air saturated with fine particles, chemical elements, and harmful gases produced by ordinary actions and surrounding objects.
These pollutants go unnoticed, but studies confirm that prolonged exposure to such an environment may be linked to an increased risk of serious diseases: from cardiovascular complications, strokes, and heart attacks to tumors and nervous system disorders.
Types of Air Pollutants
Particulate Matter
This includes not only dust but also smaller particles that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Particulate matter in the air can vary widely: from pollen and pet dander to ultrafine particles produced during combustion, such as from gas stoves and candles. Even "fresh" outdoor air can contain particles from exhaust fumes, smog, and other pollutants.
Volatile Organic Compounds
These are carbon-based chemicals that easily enter the air and are often found in cleaning agents, pesticides, paints, glues, and furniture.
Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (sometimes referred to as "forever chemicals")
These are chemicals that typically remain in liquid or solid form but can sometimes enter the air, especially if they settle on dust or other particles. They include plasticizers, flame retardants (commonly used in furniture, mattresses, and children's clothing), pesticides, and cleaning agents.
Harmful Gases
Harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide (produced by gas appliances), or gases associated with cleaning agents, such as chlorine and ammonia, can enter indoor air.
Here are nine unexpected sources of air pollution in homes that many may not even suspect.
Mattresses and Pillows
Mattresses and pillows are made using various synthetic materials, such as polyurethane, latex, and synthetic fabrics. Over time, they begin to slowly release VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Among them are phenols, toluene, and formaldehyde, which can cause symptoms of mucous membrane irritation, headaches, and fatigue. The exposure to these compounds is particularly dangerous for children and people with chronic respiratory conditions.
Tip: Choose natural materials for sleeping, regularly ventilate the bedroom, and replace old mattresses every seven to eight years.
Air Fresheners
Scented air fresheners, sprays, and automatic spraying systems often consist of a mixture of solvents, fragrances, and preservatives. While they may seem to provide a pleasant aroma, their content includes potentially harmful ingredients such as formaldehyde, benzene, and butyl acetate. These substances can trigger asthma, rhinitis, dermatitis, and migraines.
Carpets and Rugs
Carpets are an ideal place for accumulating dirt, allergens, dust mites, and microorganisms. Studies show that the pile can retain up to 80% of dust and microbes. Animal hair particles, mold, and bacteria proliferate most rapidly on carpets. Many people experience allergic reactions, nasal congestion, sneezing, and coughing fits.
Scented Candles and Incense
Scented candles and incense are very popular among home decor enthusiasts; however, when burned, wax and paraffin release numerous toxic components such as carbon dioxide, acrolein, aldehydes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Prolonged exposure to these gases causes irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, throat, and skin, exacerbates bronchial asthma attacks, and promotes the development of cancer.
New Furniture
New furniture items can emit volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds that pollute the air. They are the source of the unpleasant chemical "new furniture smell" that sometimes appears when you unroll a carpet or open a box of furniture. Some of these compounds evaporate quickly, while others can persist for years.
Low-Quality Plastic Products
Using plastic toys, dishes, and household appliances made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), and polycarbonate (PC) leads to the gradual release of toxic substances, including bisphenol A (BPA), cadmium, and lead.
High temperatures accelerate the process of releasing toxic substances. People experience deteriorating vision, nervous system disorders, and reduced immune activity.
Tip: Buy products from reputable manufacturers, carefully read product labels, and avoid reheating food in plastic.
Household Cleaning Products
Almost all household cleaning agents, including powders, gels, and window cleaning liquids, contain strong acids, alkalis, and surfactants. The use of strong disinfectants, such as bleach and ammonia, is accompanied by the formation of chloramine and ozone, which negatively affect the respiratory system and the mucous membranes of the eyes.
Tobacco Smoke and E-Cigarettes
Smoking indoors leads to an increase in the levels of toxic substances found in tobacco smoke. Secondhand tobacco smoke is considered a risk factor for lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic bronchitis.
Electronic smoking devices also contain nicotine and chemical additives that form microscopic droplets of moisture, settling on surfaces and negatively impacting both children and adults.
Pets and Flowers
Pet dander, flower pollen, and human dandruff can be present in the air you breathe. As for flowers, pollen is most often released by common plants such as gypsophila, daisies, dahlias, and asters.
What You Can Do to Improve Indoor Air Quality
To improve indoor air quality, it is essential to regularly ventilate the premises, monitor humidity levels, maintain cleanliness, and ensure good ventilation.
It is also better to reduce the use of aggressive household chemicals, place beneficial houseplants in the interior, monitor the condition of appliances, and limit smoking indoors. These measures will help create a healthy microclimate and protect your family from the risks associated with poor air quality.
