Five Things You Didn’t Know Contributed to Poor Indoor Air Quality

Furniture

There’s a bit of irony here --- remember when you were so thrilled to replace that hideous couch you stole from your parent’s basement? Well, chances are the new furniture you haven’t finished paying for yet is off-gassing chemicals into your air. That’s because furniture is laced with wood preservatives, stain repellants and other chemicals that continue to off-gas for years. This is where the irony comes in --- the old stuff you dumped, which is now sitting in some college student’s apartment --- is likely releasing far fewer chemicals.

Air Fresheners

Most air fresheners, whether in the form of a spray, gel, mist or scented candle do not provide “fresh air”. The smells they produce are made in many cases with synthetic chemicals. In fact, most "freshners"work by overpowering the scent you are trying to disguise or by actually dulling your sense of smell. Scary but true. If you want fresh air open a widow or use an air purifier.

Dry Cleaned Clothes

The dry cleaning process uses a solvent called Perchloroethylene, which the World Health Orgazigation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer has identified as a probable human carcinogen. If you must dry clean, remove and discard the bags, and hang the clothes outside or in your garage to air out. Try not to store newly dry cleaned clothes in your bedroom.

Your Shoes

Your Dad was right when he ordered you to leave your shoes at the door. Shoes pick up pollen, dirt, dander and chemical residue – all of which you track through your house if you fail to leave them by the door.

Your Plants

While some plants can act as mini air purifiers, they can also be affected by fungus and mold. Check your plants regularly for white fuzz and be sure not to over water. Houseplants should also be periodically cleaned. Indoor air pollutants settle on leaves making them dull and preventing the plant from absorbing sunlight.