The Lowdown on Indoor Air Quality
People who are forced to stay indoors are much more vulnerable to the effects of air pollutants. Whether you are someone suffering from cardiovascular disease or respiratory issues or are chronically ill or elderly, your home could be making you sick. The following elements are some of the products which can deplete your home's air quality.
Carpeting Emissions
If you are having new carpet installed, you should inquire if any emissions are to be expected from the new carpeting. You can ask for low-emitting adhesives if they are needed. You should also ask the carpet be aired out before it is installed. Open the doors and windows or use fans to remove the fumes for a minimum of 48 to 72 hours after installation.
Flame-Retardant Levels
Household dust can become contaminated by flame retardants used in some electronics such as televisions and computers as well as in furniture. Research indicates foam products manufactured before 2005 had higher toxic levels in the retardants used before they were taken off the market. However, the substitutes used currently are not risk-free either.
Air Freshener Toxins
You think you are refreshing the air in your home, but you might be exposing your family to toxic chemicals. Several studies have concluded that individuals who frequently use air fresheners develop asthma at a 30 to 50 percent higher rate than individuals who do not use air-freshening spray. Some of the chemicals could include phenol, ethanol, formaldehyde, camphor, benzyl alcohol, and other petroleum-based artificial fragrances.
A 2007 study tested 14 leading fresheners and discovered that 86% of scented gel and plug-in fresheners, including ones advertised as all-natural, contained harmful toxins.
Candle Toxins
It is not advisable to light and burn candles in an unventilated area. Paraffin wax is one of the main ingredients in most candles, and it has the same toxins like those found in diesel fuel fumes. The toxins emitted include toluene and benzene.
You also release sulfur into the air when you light the wick. You could use a lighter, but other studies have also indicated the wicks of approximately 30% of candles on the market have heavy metals such as lead in them. However, lead wicks were banned in 2003; still, some are probably still in circulation.
These are just several of the products that can be reducing the air quality in your home. Scientific studies remain diligent to discover how to remove the harmful toxins from the mentioned products. You can protect your family by observing any signs that could indicate health issues could be a reflection of the home's atmosphere.
For more information about air quality how these pollutants could be circulating in your home through your HVAC system, consult a professional such as R & K Contractors Inc.