3 Sources Of Indoor Air Pollution That Might Surprise You
Would you believe us if we told you that the air you breathe inside your home is more polluted than the outside air?
Sure, your living room might not be covered in dirt and smog, but indoor pollution is as serious an issue as outdoor pollution. But what makes it worse is the false sense of safety that it manages to create.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollutant levels can be two to five times higher than outdoor levels. In fact, in the case of certain pollutants, it can be as high as 100 times the level of the same pollutant outdoors.
But unlike common airborne pollutants like smoke and mold that we have no control over, there are some items we willingly use everyday that contribute to indoor air pollution.
Here are a few such sources of indoor air pollution that might surprise you:
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Paint
Most paints that are used today for coloring the walls contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and fresh paint can also off-gas for many days, sometimes months. They cause numerous health issues like headaches, nausea, skin allergies, dizziness and more. And if you live in an old house that you haven’t painted in many years, chances are its walls are coated in lead paint. Lead is a potent neurotoxin and can remain powerful even after decades.
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Candles
Who doesn’t love the smell of scented candles wafting through the air? But as lovely and refreshing as they can be, most candles cause indoor air pollution through the soot carbon particles that they emit. Aromatherapy candles also release solvents and plasticizers that are highly toxic. Candles made using natural ingredients like beeswax and organic perfumes are a much safer choice.
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Air fresheners
Contrary to what their names suggest, air freshers don’t really freshen your indoor air. Instead, they pollute it by releasing numerous harmful chemicals, including phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors. They are especially dangerous for babies and young children who do not have fully developed endocrine systems.
The most effective way to eliminate these pollution sources and keep your indoor air clean and healthy is to invest in a residential air purification system.
Check out our collection of products to find a residential air purifier that best meets your and your family’s needs and requirements.
