Indoor Air Pollutants Lurking in Your Home

It’s easy to come home, take a big breath and assume your home air is cleaner than what’s outside, right? After all, you vacuum your home, wipe dust off the counters, and keep a tidy home; but this won’t protect your indoor air. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air in your home can be five times more polluted than the air outside. Some indoor air pollutants are obvious, but some truly are not. Because of this, we’re sharing the indoor air pollutants potentially lurking in your home.

Paraffin Scented Candles

Scented candles help create a serene, cozy atmosphere. While they spread lovely scents, they can also spread indoor air pollution. Of all the scented candles you can purchase, the ones made with paraffin are the worst offender. Paraffin itself is a petroleum byproduct, which means all that ends up wafting through your home. Additionally, candles made with paraffin can emit toluene and benzene, both chemicals that are known carcinogens. But, don’t toss out the idea of scented candles altogether. Candles made with natural materials, like beeswax and soy, are the best alternatives. Beeswax and soy burn slower and cooler, allowing your candle to last longer and emit fewer chemicals. If you’re looking to ditch candles all together, we recommend a diffuser and sweet-smelling essential oils.

Cleaning and Beauty Products

We all know aerosol sprays can have a negative impact on the outdoor atmosphere, but what about the air in your home? Researchers in Los Angeles found that nearly half of volatile organic compounds—or VOCs—found in roadside air are from household products. Now, imagine that floating around your home and into your lungs. Doesn’t sound healthy. Believe it or not, many common household products can cause eye irritation, throat and noes problems, and headaches. Products that are guilty of being indoor air pollutants are:

• Aerosol hair spray and dry shampoo
• Air Fresheners
• Dry cleaning chemicals
• Oven cleaners
• Rug and other upholstery cleaners

If you’re worried about indoor air pollutants from cleaning and beauty supplies, the best thing you can do is check the ingredients of your products before purchasing. To make this process easier, the EPA has a “safer choice” label, marking products with lower levels of VOC’s and potentially harmful chemicals.

Simple Solutions

If you want a safe and easy way to combat indoor air pollution, a simple solution is to remove your shoes. After walking outside all day, your shoes are ground zero for potentially harmful indoor air contaminants. Another easy change is to switch from candles to an essential oil diffuser. This will help the spread of lovely scents without the indoor air pollution. But above all, our favorite solution in the air scrubber. An air scrubber is an add on to your existing HVAC system. It uses UV lights to remove indoor air pollutants, strong smells, and hidden bacteria.

Dealing with Too Much Indoor Air Pollution? Call Service Champions

Service Champions Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is dedicated to serving homes of Southern California. We are the only SoCal Diamond Certified HVAC provider and proudly serve Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties. To schedule service from our expert technicians, reach out to our friendly call center representatives, or fill out the form here to book an appointment online.