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Winter poses a greater risk for indoor air pollution. The biggest factor is the increasing difficulty in ventilating rooms, incl kitchenSince the windows cannot be opened as in the warmer months. Heating systems They also emit pollutants, especially when they are old or defective.
“Indoor air is not as healthy as we think it is,” explains Michael Rubino, founder of HomeCleanse and president of the Change the Air Foundation. The podcast host calls out many of the overlooked pollutants that pollute the air in our homes.
According to James Langer, materials science engineer and CEO of… Colorville“Indoor air can be five or more times more polluted than outdoor air, which can have health consequences that range from inconvenience to… Headache To more serious problems such as chronic allergies, asthma, and even cancer.
Air purifiers and Dehumidifiers It makes a difference, but knowing where pollutants come from and reducing them is your best protection against air quality problems. I spoke with experts about the surprising things in your home that may be contributing to poor air quality and what changes you can make to control it.
1. Gas stoves
A number of studies show that gas stoves pose a real risk to air quality and respiratory health.
It doesn’t matter whether you have a gas or electric stove, or if you do most of your cooking in an enclosed space, such as an oven or microwave. “Cooking is the number one contributor to indoor air pollution,” says Glory Dolphin Hames, CEO. IQ Air North America, Certified Interior Environmentalist and Licensed HVAC Contractor. “We tend to worry about odors, but high-heat cooking, especially over open heat, is a significant source of PM 2.5, a type of particulate matter that can easily get into our lungs.”
However, this is not necessarily an excuse to order more takeout or a directive to invest in it Su video equipment. As with installing a real exhaust fan, “induction cooking makes a huge difference in improving air quality,” says Dolphin Hams. “I emphasize that word ‘true’ because we don’t realize that 99% of all exhaust fans actually recirculate the air indoors,” she says. Simply opening a window can also help reduce cooking contamination.
Read more: Gas stoves are here to stay, but are they safe? Here’s what you need to know
2. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
HVAC systems, especially when not properly maintained, can be a source of invisible mold and dust.
By the same token, the same system in your home that circulates air, known as your HVAC system — can also be a source of invisible mold and dust, recirculating polluted air inside your home instead of transporting it outside. “The push toward net-zero energy efficiency has created more compact buildings with minimal airflow between indoor and outdoor environments,” says Rubino. “The result is that most contaminants that make their way inside a building will remain until they are effectively removed.”
“Maintain the system twice a year,” suggests Rubino. “Change your air filters on time and upgrade to the highest MERV rated filters your particular unit can handle.” The higher the MERV rating, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, the smaller the particles that can be pulled from the air.
Read more: How to properly clean the air conditioner
3. Cleaning supplies
A household cleaning solution can keep harmful pollutants out of the air.
Surely keeping a clean home is the key to clean air, right? Well… “Typically, the cleaning supplies that make the highest claims about killing germs or removing odors have a high amount of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs,” says Dolphin Hums, which are other harmful particles found in the air we breathe indoors.
“VOCs are known to cause nausea and can likewise have adverse effects on health when exposed to higher levels or for long periods of time,” says Langer. Instead, “look for cleaning products that have little or no odor and do their job without covering up odors,” he says, and use a clean, damp cloth to wipe up dust wherever it collects on surfaces in your home.
To combat unnecessary VOCs, try making this whole-Natural cleaning solution With three ingredients you may already have.
4. Wet appliances
Any appliances that contain water, especially those in high traffic areas, should be cleaned regularly to prevent mold growth.
Most people are aware that damp rooms, like bathrooms and laundry rooms, can harbor mold, but your kitchen is also a significant source of water, and germs may come from items other than spoiled food. In addition to your shower and washing machine, “appliances like ice makers and refrigerator water pipes can also hide mold,” Rubino says. Mold spores can cause respiratory problems, regardless of whether a person has allergies or not, and contribute to odors that force us to try to cover them up.
Instead, cut them at the sources. “This must be it Clean it regularlyRubino says. “Allow them to dry between uses and keep up with regular maintenance.”
Read more: Mold growing inside your washing machine? Use this secret trick to get rid of them
5. Candles and incense
Anything that emits smoke will cause at least some reduction in air quality.
The things you use to make your home smell fresher actually do more than just mask other pollutants; They also contribute to poor overall air quality. This is especially true if these objects also emit smoke, such as candles and incense, even in seemingly small amounts.
“Most of the time, candles and incense are actually a source of pollution inside your home,” Dolphin Hams says. “People want to make their homes smell fresh, but they are probably using large amounts of PM 2.5 with it.”
6. Air fresheners
Air fresheners
The same applies to other products where scent is the goal. “Air fresheners, essential oils, and other highly scented products are often used to cover up unpleasant odors, but this may simply make indoor air pollution worse,” says Langer.
Indoor air quality can be compromised by more than just a leaky stove or a crumbling chimney liner.
These products are also bad news for non-human residents of your home. According to Langer, “There is a small amount of data regarding the safety of using these products around pets. Due to their unique biology, dogs, cats, birds and other small animals may be more susceptible to negative side effects from these products.”
Instead of scented options, consider using an air purifier or look for air fresheners made with baking soda or activated charcoal.
An air quality monitor can help find the culprit
Airthings View Plus will continuously monitor your air quality and alert you in real time if conditions become hazardous.
If you’re concerned about air quality, the monitor provides real-time data so you can identify and address the causes. We tested several, including the $60 SwitchBot’s Meter Pro, which tracks carbon dioxide, temperature, and humidity, and the $300 Airthings View Plus, which monitors VOCs, radon, particulate matter, particulate matter, carbon dioxide, temperature, and humidity. They both send alerts when dangerous levels are reached.