Ever stopped to think about what you're actually breathing in at home? You might assume the air in your cozy living room or bedroom is fresh and clean, but the truth is, there could be invisible toxins floating around that you don't even know about.
Sounds scary, right? From everyday cleaners to furniture and even your favorite candles, common household items might be releasing harmful pollutants into the air you breathe.
But don't freak out just yet—let's break down what these sneaky threats are and how you can start protecting your home and your health today.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are chemicals found in tons of household products. They can come from things like paints, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and even furniture.
When they're released into the air, they can cause irritation to your eyes, nose, or throat, and lead to headaches or nausea. Long-term exposure can be much worse, potentially harming your liver, kidneys, or nervous system—and some VOCs have even been linked to cancer..
Prevention
Choose Low-VOC Products
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When you're picking out paints, cleaners, or furniture, try to go for ones labeled "low-VOC" or "VOC-free." These release way fewer harmful chemicals, making the air in your home much safer to breathe. The best part? Lots of brands have eco-friendly options now, so you don't have to sacrifice quality or style!
Ventilate your home
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Whenever you're using products that might release VOCs, like paints or cleaners, be sure to crack open a window to let the fresh air in. You can also turn on exhaust fans in the kitchen or bathroom to help clear out any lingering fumes. A little extra airflow goes a long way in keeping your home's air clean and healthy!
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide (CO) - a colorless, odorless gas - is produced when carbon-containing materials such as gasoline, natural gas, propane, coal, or wood don't burn completely. CO is dangerous as it can replace oxygen in the blood, making it hard for your body to get the oxygen it needs.
Prevention
Put carbon-containing furniture in properly vented area
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If your home has a furnace, fireplace, generator, gas appliance, and car, they can produce carbon monoxide (CO), a toxic gas. To keep your home safe, make sure to have them maintained at least once a year and vented properly. This helps the gas disperse and channel out of your home effectively.
Install CO alarms
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In case your home has fuel-burning appliances like a fireplace or an attached garage, it's a good idea to install CO alarms. These devices can detect CO and sound an alarm if there's an issue. When hearing this sound, move to fresh air right away and call 911.
Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas that doesn't have smell, color, and taste. It is produced from the natural radioactive decay of uranium, which is found in all rocks and soils, even water. So, why do we find radon indoors? It sneaks into our home through cracks in the floor, gaps around pipes or cables, small pores in walls, and even through sumps and drains.
Prevention
Install a passive and active radon system
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To reduce radon in your home, consider installing a vent pipe system and fan. This setup pulls radon from beneath your house and vents it outside. To make the system even more effective and cost-efficient, be sure to seal any foundation cracks and other openings.
Open windows
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If your radon levels are not below 4 pCi/L, you can keep them low by increasing airflow in your home. It's great to use fans and vents to get the air circulating. However, you can simply open some windows and doors.
Mold and mildew
Mold and mildew usually thrive in homes with high humidity and poor ventilation. They can grow anywhere in your home from places you can see such as carpet, clothing, paper, food to hidden spots like inside walls, around leaking pipes, behind drywall, and above ceiling tiles. If you don't tackle these issues quickly, they can make your asthma symptoms worse and trigger allergies.
Prevention
Control humidity
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Keep indoor humidity levels below 50% by using dehumidifiers or air conditioners, especially in damp areas like basements or bathrooms.
Ventilate Properly
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Everyday activities like taking a shower, cooking dinner, and doing laundry can encourage the growth of mold and mildew in your home. To prevent this, make sure to provide proper ventilation in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and other high-moisture areas by using vents or opening windows.
Secondhand smoke (Passive smoking)
When someone smokes a cigarette (or roll-up, pipe, or cigar), most of the smoke goes into the air instead of their lungs. If you breathe it in, this secondhand smoke can harm your health, causing diseases like lung cancer and heart disease.
Pregnant women exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to have premature births, and their babies are at higher risk of low birth weight and sudden infant death syndrome. Children exposed to secondhand smoke have a higher risk of breathing problems like asthma and allergies.
Prevention
Smoke outside
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To protect yourself from secondhand smoke, kindly ask smokers to step outside or use a designated smoking area. These ways help keep the environment inside your home and around you smoke-free.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral fiber known for its resistance to heat, electricity, and corrosion. Because of these properties, it was widely used in construction, military applications, insulation, fireproofing products, and even automotive brake pads.
However, it's important to know that inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers can be harmful. These fibers can get trapped in the body, causing inflammation, scarring, and even cancer.
Prevention
To minimize potential asbestos exposure, try not to touch or disturb any materials in your home that might contain asbestos. These could include old pipe insulation, textured ceilings, damaged floor tiles, and vermiculite attic insulation.
Clean with wet cloth
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When handling areas that might contain asbestos, it's best to clean with a wet rag, use a wet mop on non-carpeted floors, or wipe your pets with a damp cloth. These wet things help minimize the release of asbestos fibers into the air.
Close windows if there's construction nearby
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To prevent asbestos, make sure to keep your windows and doors closed on windy days or when there's construction nearby. The wind can carry asbestos fibers from outside and bring them into your home.
