Air conditioning repair in Saratoga, CA might be the farthest thing from your mind with summer several months out. But indoor air quality is always something to be concerned about, now more than ever. Homeowners are constantly searching for solutions to improve the air quality in their homes. Unfortunately, some of the very products homeowners are using for cleaning and sanitizing could contribute to the problem instead of the solution.
What are VOCs?
Sources of air pollution are becoming more diverse, and simple household items can significantly dirty the air. In fact, some of these indoor pollutants contribute just as much to lung-irritating ozone as the burning of diesel or gasoline fuel. This class of pollutants is commonly known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). And while most of them are derived from petroleum, VOCs also represent hundreds of different chemicals that easily evaporate and hang around in the air.
Here are some of the common household products that could be polluting indoor air:
1. Cleaning Products
Who doesn’t love the smell of a home that has just be cleaned? Unfortunately, a lot of scented cleaning products are also loaded with VOCs. Instead of scented products, you could stick to more natural cleaning solutions made from bleach, vinegar, water, and baking soda.
2. Paint
If you store paint or paint strippers in the home or garage they can give off harmful gasses. The immediate effects may cause a person to feel light-headed. However, prolonged exposure could lead to other more serious health issues.
3. Aerosol Spray
As you might guess, aerosol sprays are full of VOCs. These include room sprays and cleaners as well as hair sprays, antiperspirants, and deodorants. These release tiny particulates and chemicals into the air. And the smaller the particulates, the deeper they can penetrate into the lungs. It is better to avoid using them whenever possible.
4. Air Fresheners and Candles
People love for their homes to smell good. But did you know room fresheners and candles can emit over 100 different chemicals? These can trigger breathing issues, asthma attacks, and migraines. To freshen the air it would be better to open a window, run a fan for air circulation, or try fresh cut flowers.
5. Dry Cleaning
Dry-cleaned clothes are known to release perchloroethylene into the air when handled or worn. The EPA considers it to be a toxic air pollutant and prolonged exposure may cause harm to the nervous system, kidneys, liver, or reproductive system. So double-check your clothing labels, and if you have the option to hand wash, consider that a safer option.
6. Gas Stoves
Cooking with a gas stove can release nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide into the home. Even if you are just boiling water on the stove, you should run the exhaust fan or open a window to help eliminate any harmful emissions.
Many manufacturers are introducing greener products whose use and disposal do not release harmful toxins or become a burden on the environment. It is a step in the right direction. It is also wise for homeowners to do what they can to reduce the use of products that release VOCs in the home. It is also important to keep up with routine air conditioning repair in Saratoga, CA. Call Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning for more information.
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