Indoor Air Quality Around the Holidays
Date: December 15, 2022
In colder weather, especially around the holidays, some things we do to help us feel warm and cozy, like putting up a Christmas tree, lighting candles, and burning wood in the fireplace, may have a detrimental effect on our comfort and joy by decreasing Indoor Air Quality, (IAQ).
IAQ is a leading health concern, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Exposure to indoor air pollution can cause various health issues from respiratory illnesses to cancer. Pollutants include dust, skin cells, pollen, pet dander, smoke, gases from cleaning chemicals and air fresheners, mold, bacteria, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Natural and artificial Christmas trees both emit VOCs. Coniferous evergreens, such as fir, pine, and spruce, emit terpenes that give Christmas trees their distinct aroma. Generally recognized as safe, terpenes are a potential allergen. ‘Real’ trees may also bring dust, pollen, pesticides, herbicides, and mold into your home. Artificial Christmas trees often contain Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), one of the most toxic types of plastic. ‘Fake’ trees may also contain lead, hormone-disrupting phthalates (chemicals that make plastic soft and flexible), and flame-retardant chemicals.
Improving your home’s air quality requires the removal of existing pollutants and reducing the introduction and creation of new ones.
Replace contaminated air with fresh air through proper ventilation. Indoor air can be significantly more toxic than outdoor air. Open windows when there isn’t a lot of pollen or smoke in the air, and it’s not too cold out.
Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove cooking fumes and steam. Replace filters in forced air heating and cooling systems regularly and consider upgrading to a higher quality filter.
Dust regularly with microfiber cloths to trap particles. Upgrade your vacuum cleaner to one with a sealed filtration system and a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter and use it regularly. Consider installing an air purifier with activated carbon filters.
Keep humidity within 40%-60%. High indoor humidity can spur mold growth.
Don’t smoke indoors. Brush and bathe pets outside whenever possible. Keep chemical cleansers to a minimum. Instead, opt for greener alternatives like white vinegar and baking soda. Avoid using air fresheners to mask unpleasant odors.