When you open the doors to your cleaning supply cabinet, what do you find?
Aerosol cans containing disinfectant sprays? Potent pesticides for killing
ants, roaches and other unwanted visitors? Or perhaps a jug of chlorine
bleach for those tough stains?
While you may feel that each of these items is making your home cleaner
and healthier, in actuality, they could be doing more harm than good.
Many people do not realize just how hazardous poor indoor air quality
can be. It’s an unfortunate fact, since the Environmental Protection
Agency has rated indoor air pollution as one the top five environmental
dangers to human health!
Chances are, there are things inside your home diminishing your
air quality without you even knowing it. Here’s a look at five common household
items that could be polluting your air:
1. Air Fresheners: The fragrances in certain types of air fresheners have been found to react
with high levels of ozone in the home to form formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
Instead of using synthetic air fresheners that contain chemicals, opt
for natural solutions made from essential oils.
2. Aerosol Spray Products: Aerosol sprays release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can lead
to respiratory issues, skin damage and organ damage over time. Inhaling
VOCs can also cause headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea, blurry
vision and other symptoms. The best way to minimize the effects of VOCs
is to eliminate the use of aerosol sprays altogether (things like disinfectants
and hairspray can easily be found in other forms), but if you must use
them, make sure the area is well ventilated.
3. Chlorine Bleach: Bleach is a harsh chemical that can lead to a range of health issues. The
use of bleach should be minimized in the home at all costs, but when it
becomes necessary, be sure to ventilate your home by opening windows and
turning on fans. It’s always a good idea to use safer cleaning alternatives,
like soap and warm water, baking soda and vinegar.
4. Pesticides: No one wants bugs in their home, but the chemicals that come along with
pesticides should be just as unwelcomed. Pesticides expose your home to
VOCs and hazardous chemicals that could end up doing more harm to your
family than the targeted pests! Whenever possible, use non-chemical pesticides
or seek natural pest-preventing alternatives.
5. Your Air Filter: Your
air filter is responsible for protecting your AC from harmful airborne particles
and keeping your air clean and safe. But when too much debris is allowed
to pile up in your air filter, it becomes less efficient, allowing dirt,
dust, pet dander and other allergens to continue circulating through your
home’s air. To keep your air filter working effectively, be sure
to change it out once a month!
Improve Your Indoor Air Quality Today!
While eliminating certain household items can help to keep your home’s
air safe and healthy to breathe, there’s plenty more to be done.
At Phoenix Air, we make your indoor air quality a top priority. From helping
you choose the right filter, to equipping your AC with air quality improving
devices, our experienced
Palm Beach County AC technicians are here to help you breathe easy. Give us a
call today or see our indoor air quality solutions online to learn more about what
we can do for you.