Indoor Air Quality – Holiday “New” Stuff
I was recently contemplating getting all the decorations and such out for the holidays. I actually really love doing all those kinds of things. We happen to store ours in a shed outside our home. It made me think of all the dust, pollen and other pollutants I could be bringing into my home. Not a whole lot that can be done about that except perhaps wiping down all the bins etc. outside before bringing them in. Of course, making sure the air filters indoors are clean and fresh and vacuuming immediately after the “decorating” is complete are great ideas. All that is pretty normal stuff and I do actually think it helps. However, it got me thinking about other pollutants that may be getting in in ways I may not have thought of. So, of course, I started in on some research.
During this time of year we all bring “new” things into the house all the time. Gifts, groceries, perhaps even new furniture and carpet with all the holiday guests coming in. Unfortunately, when I began to do my research one of the biggest culprits for indoor air pollutants is “new” stuff. New carpeting and furniture were the two biggest problems in most of what I found. Electronics and other new plastic things were also mentioned. That covers almost all gifts these days especially if you have kids. Well, that made me a little nervous and even put a bit of a damper on my holiday mood. But, along with the warnings that were given some advice on how to handle these things was also given.
For new carpeting make sure you ask for low-VOC, formaldehyde free adhesive, air carpeting out before installing and run fans and even one widows (if possible) after installation. For new furnishings the best thing is just keeping things well ventilated. The same goes for new electronics or plastic products as well as vacuuming around those products very regularly.
Something else that was added in the list of indoor air pollutants was glues and adhesives. If you are crafty, the holidays are especially full of these items for you. Unfortunately most of the glues and adhesives can introduce pollutants into your indoor air. If possible, opt for water-based, formaldehyde free glues. And, as always, work in a very well ventilated area.
Hopefully this information was helpful and not alarming. I’m a firm believer in knowledge is power. So here’s to hoping you feel more powerful.
As always, if Mr. B’s can help improve your indoor air with duct cleaning and/or air purification or, if we can answer any questions for you, please call or visit our site today!
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