Most of us think that our homes are protected from common pollutants like car exhaust and industrial pollution. However, indoor air pollution levels can be 2-5 times greater than outdoor pollution. You, your family, and your pets eat, sleep and play indoors, right? Unhealthy air really matters!
When there is not adequate ventilation and exchange of air from outdoors and there are sources of pollution inside the home, toxin levels can become concentrated.
Where does it all come from?
Biological Pollutants: Dander, dust mites, and pollen.
Pets, kids, and shoes can bring biological pollutants into your home. Anyone with allergies knows the impact that pollen can have on air quality!
Another source is mold. Humid conditions are perfect for growing mold so check bathrooms and the inside of exterior walls. In the forever-damp Pacific Northwest, this is a constant problem and I can attest to the stress of battling mold in a poorly built apartment!
Second-hand Smoke
It’s no surprise that smoking makes for poor air quality in your home. This is not new information. There are plenty of reasons not to smoke and this is another!
Stoves & Fireplaces
According to the World Health Organization, burning fuel for cooking or heating is the leading cause of indoor air pollution in the developing world.
Anyone living in the industrialized world doesn’t have to worry right? Nope! We still have fireplaces that we burn for enjoyment and warmth and stoves that we use for cooking. The combustion of any fuel can have negative impacts so make sure you have exhaust fans over your stove and your chimney works properly to remove particulates from burning wood.
Also, don’t forget a carbon monoxide alarm. It will warn you of the odorless gas before it’s too late.
Household Products
Many common household products contain, or have been treated with, various chemicals. Phthalates, perfluorochemicals (found in Teflon, Scotchguard, and Gore-Tex), flame retardants and formaldehyde are common ingredients found in everything from air fresheners and cookware to nail polish and carpeting. Furniture such as mattresses and couches and even some clothes are treated with toxic flame retardants and perfluorochemicals. Paint, paint thinners, and pressed wood furniture can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compromising air quality. It sounds daunting when it seems like these chemicals are everywhere in our homes!
The Environmental Working Group has done extensive research on a variety of these home products and has come up with a fantastic guide to help you reduce your exposure to health-compromising chemicals.
Another ingredient that I avoid at all costs is artificial fragrance. Artificial fragrance is found in everything from dryer sheets and plug-in air fresheners to perfume and beauty products. If a product lists “fragrance” as an ingredient and does not also say it is “phthalate-free” then you can bet it contains phthalates.
Phthalates have scary health impacts including reduced testosterone, hormone imbalances, and serious reproductive harm.
Want to learn more? Check out this article for everything you need to know about phthalates.
So a lot of things in our home can cause poor air quality indoors. Now what?
There are several ways that you can reduce exposure and naturally improve your air – no fancy system required!
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Increase ventilation
Open windows and air out the house at least once a day. Even in the winter you can open windows for just a couple minutes or use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen to clear out stagnant air.
Remove pollutants and clean
Most furniture (mattresses, couches, wrinkle-resistant clothing, etc.) is made of synthetic foam and treated fabric and wood that off-gas into our homes.
Buy used furniture (it has already off-gassed much of the VOCs and it is cheaper) or furniture made without any toxic chemicals. We have almost entirely previously owned furniture in our home and when we do purchase something new (like a mattress) I will choose one that is organically made without chemicals. There are some amazing furniture brands coming onto the market that only use latex, wool, and solid wood.
If you have pets, vacuum your home regularly. Make sure to vacuum slowly and thoroughly and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter designed to catch dander and pollen.
Remove your shoes at the door. I personally don’t like what I walked on all day to be tracked into my home. I only wear socks or slippers inside. Bonus – this keeps my floors cleaner too!
Also, make sure the humidity level is between 30-40% in the home. Humid conditions are a great place for mold!
Grow houseplants
A well known NASA study showed that certain houseplants like the peace lily, spider plant, and snake plant can clear the air of formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. Many of these plants are easy to grow and need very little maintenance. I like to have at least 1 houseplant for every 100 square feet.
Peace lily, aloe vera, and golden pothos plants help keep my air clean and look beautiful!
Use green cleaners
Common cleaners can contain chemicals such as bleach and artificial fragrances that are not great for your health or the environment. I love making all natural cleaners because they are simple to use, cost next to nothing, and are way better for our health!
Use natural fragrances
Eliminate all synthetic fragrances sprays and plug-ins. They are filled with phthalates that disrupt our hormones and can cause health problems. Most candles also contain phthalates in their fragrance and paraffin candles can release soot when burned. If you do want to use fragrance in your home, burn natural soy or beeswax candles scented entirely with essential oils, use a diffuser with high quality pure essential oils, or make a spray out of equal parts water and vodka and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
For more tips, check out this article on how to make your home smell amazing naturally.
Your refreshed house will be cleaner, smell better, and be healthier for your family!
Did any of these indoor pollutants surprise you? Which ones do you think are the hardest to change?