8 Ways Your House Is Making You Sick
Everyone knows that poor air quality causes respiratory problems, but did you know that it can also aggravate allergies and skin conditions? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that indoor air pollution is responsible for various health problems, including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and even cancer. So, what’s causing all this indoor air pollution? The answer is the things in our homes.
You may not think about it, but the things in your house may be making you sick. Believe it or not, air quality is affected by the things we have in our homes. From allergens to chemicals and mold, these items can pollute the air in your home and cause health problems. Here we will point out a few main culprits of indoor air pollution and offer some key strategies to reduce or eliminate the hazard.
Table of Contents
Carpets and Upholstery
The first item on our list is carpets and upholstery. Carpets or area rugs and upholstered furniture can harbor pollutants, including dust mites, pet dander, chemicals, and mold. These contaminants, when released into the air, cause various health problems. They hide in carpets and upholstery fibers, making them difficult to remove.
The best way to reduce the pollution they cause is to vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner. Professionally clean your carpets and upholstery every year. You should also invest in dust-proof covers for your furniture.
Paint
We all love those beautifully painted walls but do you know that paint can contain lead, mercury, and other toxic chemicals? After applying the paint, these chemicals can be released into the air for years. If you live in an older home, it’s important to have your paint tested for lead. You can also reduce the number of toxins released into the air by choosing low-VOC or no-VOC paint for your home.
Paint strippers and other chemicals used to remove paint can also release harmful toxins into the air, so it’s important to follow the directions carefully and ventilate the area well.
Cleaning Supplies
We often use various cleaning agents to clean our homes, but many of these products contain harmful chemicals that can pollute the air. Many households use bleach and other cleaning products that release chlorine gas. This gas can irritate your lungs and cause difficulty breathing. Some people are also allergic to the chemicals in bleaches and other cleaning products.
If you experience irritation or difficulty breathing after using these products, open a window and ventilate the area well. To decrease the toxins released into the air, choose natural or green cleaning products. When using any cleaning product, be sure to ventilate the area well and follow the directions carefully.
Dust
One of the biggest offenders of indoor air pollution is dust. In dusty environments, dust mites thrive. They are so small that you can’t see them with the naked eye, but they can cause many problems for people with allergies or asthma. Dust mites are known to trigger asthma attacks and allergies. They can also aggravate other respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and emphysema.
To reduce the amount of dust in your home, start by vacuuming regularly with a high-quality vacuum. From bedroom rugs to couches, make sure to vacuum all the pieces of furniture in your home. Use a damp cloth to dust surfaces such as tables, bookshelves, and TV stands.
Few allergies can cause some serious reactions which might require medical attention, reach out to Sri Ramakrishna Hospital to receive medical assistance and to calm the allergy.
Mold
Mold is a type of fungi that can grow anywhere there’s moisture. Mold spores can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and even skin irritation. It’s important to keep mold out of your home by fixing any leaks and ensuring proper ventilation in the kitchen and bathroom areas. You should also clean up any mold with a bleach solution. If you suspect you have mold in your home, it’s important to have it professionally removed. You can also prevent mold growth by keeping your home well-ventilated and moisture-free.
Air Fresheners
We all love amazingly smelling homes. WE use air fresheners, candles, and diffusers to make our home smell great. However, many products contain chemicals that can harm our health. In particular, phthalates have been linked to endocrine disruption and reproductive problems. They also contribute to indoor air pollution. If you want to make your home smell amazing, there are many natural alternatives to air fresheners. When choosing air fresheners, look for ones that are natural and free of chemicals. You can try using essential oils, baking soda, or even opening up your windows to let fresh air in.
Heaters and Stoves
The air quality in our homes is also affected by the things we use to heat and cool our homes. For example, gas stoves can release harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. If you have a gas stove at home, make sure it is properly ventilated. You can also try using an electric stove or other alternative methods of heating your home. Or keep all the windows open in your house for some time to reduce the air pollution in your home. Also, avoid the use of heaters and stoves in enclosed spaces. The fumes from these devices can build up and create an unhealthy environment.
Air Conditioners
Another common source of air pollution in our homes is air conditioners. Air conditioners can release chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the air. CFCs are harmful to the environment and can cause health problems. Keep your air conditioner properly maintained to reduce the number of CFCs released into the air. Air conditioners that are not properly maintained can release up to 50% more CFCs into the environment. To avoid it, have your air conditioner serviced by a professional at least once a year.
Summing Up!
Now that you know some of the common sources of air pollution in our homes, you can take steps to reduce or eliminate them. The following are key strategies to reduce or eliminate hazard pollution in your home:
- Keep your air conditioner properly maintained to reduce the release of CFCs into the environment. -Use natural cleaners and materials whenever possible to avoid introducing chemicals into your home.
- Fix any water leaks promptly to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
- Remove all the old food, newspapers, and other items from your basement and attic to prevent the buildup of allergens.
- Throw away all the pollution-causing rugs and carpets. It’s better to invest in chemical-free, natural material rugs from RugKnots to keep your home healthy.
- Make sure your home is well-ventilated to allow for fresh air circulation.
- Open your windows regularly to allow for fresh air circulation.
- Install a HEPA filter in your furnace or air conditioner to remove pollutants from the air.
By following these key strategies, you can reduce or eliminate hazardous pollution in your home and create a healthier environment for your family. What other strategies do you adopt to keep the air quality in your home high? Let us know in the comments below!