Hidden Pollutants in Your Home
by Melissa W. Content WriterIndoor air pollution can
be a serious health risk. The Environmental Protection Agency say the air we
breathe inside our home can be up to five times more polluted than the air
outside. Indoor air pollution are harmful airborne contaminants that resides inside
our loving home.
They can be pollutants
from gases, appliances, animals and materials, and while many of them have no
smell and can’t be seen, they can create many short and long-term health
problems. The EPA uses the Air quality index to measure five major pollutants
for which it has established National Ambient Air Quality Standards under the
Clean Air Act. The pollutants are nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur
dioxide, particle pollution and ground-level ozone. Here are some household
products that may contain some of this pollutants.
1.Paints
The paints and finishes we
use for decorating our homes has a great effect in measuring AQI. Paints and
varnishes are known to contain VOCs, releasing the harmful chemicals as gases
in the air. Other liquids used on wood furniture, such as varnishes, lacquers
and stains release chemicals into the air too, making proper ventilation a
must. Use paint types such as waterborne paints, powder coatings, ultraviolet
(UV) light or electron beam-curable coatings, or higher-solids paints.
2.Scented Candles
Candles are another source
of indoor air pollution. Certain types of candles contain toxic chemicals such
as toluene and benzene, which are released into the air when burned. If you use
candles and air fresheners choose products that are less-likely to release
harmful chemicals, such as beeswax and soy candles and eco-friendly air sprays.
3.Cleaning Products.
Many conventional
household cleaning products often include harmful chemicals. Even cleaners who
proudly label their products as “green” or “organic” may contain ingredients
that can cause health problems. Notably, natural citrus fragrances can react
with the air to produce dangerous pollutants indoors. But conventional cleaning
products are still far worse, as they may contain ammonia, alcohol, chlorine,
or petroleum-based solvents, all which can have adverse effects on health.
4. Air Purifiers.
Knowing that the air in
our home may contain dangerous pollutants, some of us have invested in air
purifiers to remove the toxins. However, some air purifiers release immense
amounts of ozone into the atmosphere. Consistent exposure to it has been linked
to chronic lung diseases like asthma and COPD.
5. Carpet
Many people spend much of
their day in a carpeted workplace. Carpets act like toxic sponges, sucking up
dangerous amounts of poisons and pollutants dragged into the home by pets and
on shoes.
6. Printers
Printers spit out more
than just expense reports and flight confirmations–they also spray around lots
of microparticles of ozone,tone and ink. About one-third of printers are “high
emitters,” which means they churn out as many harmful airborne particles as
you’d find on a traffic-clogged street.
Even after cleaning up,
sometimes there are residue that is left in the air that can sometimes pose an
imminent threat to our health. Good way to be sure that the air we breathe is
VOC-free, we can use an Air Quality monitor like Acer Indoor Air Quality
Monitor. It can detect if the indoor air is in the allowed level so you can be
sure that the air you breathe is safe.
You can find full information at Amazon store or Acer Official Site.
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Created on Dec 10th 2017 04:05. Viewed 367 times.