Cleaning Products and Indoor Air Quality
Cleaning! It’s a dirty job (sorry, just had to)! Seriously, we all have to clean. I would venture to say that it’s not the most favorite of tasks out there. We usually like to use whatever products get the job done the most easily and quickly. And, if they leave a nice aroma, well that’s a bonus. Unfortunately, if we are also concerned about the quality of the air we breathe indoors those very things just may cause a problem.
In doing some looking I’ve found research to back up the fact that some of the products we use to clean do emit chemicals such as terpenes and glycol that can react and cause pollutants to be introduced to our indoor breathing atmosphere. For some people that may not be a huge concern. However, if you or someone in your home suffers from allergies, asthma or some other respiratory problem it could be very concerning. Some of the products that tend to cause the problems are as follows:
- Aerosol spray products, including health, beauty and cleaning products; especially cleaning products that are pine or citrus scented
- Air fresheners;
- Chlorine bleach;
- Detergent and dishwashing liquid;
- Dry cleaning chemicals;
- Rug and upholstery cleaners;
- Furniture and floor polish; and
- Oven cleaners.
Seems to cover a lot of territory doesn’t it. Fortunately, there are a few things that can help reduce their effects on our indoor air quality. Those things are as follows:
- Limit the use of cleaning products or air fresheners advertised as pine- or lemon-scented, or that contain pine or citrus oils, especially during high outdoor pollution days. For ozone forecasts, visit http://airnow.gov and click on “Local forecasts and conditions.”
- When using cleaning products, avoid the use of indoor air cleaning devices such as electrostatic precipitators and ionizers that can emit some ozone. Air cleaners or air “purifiers” that intentionally produce ozone should never be used; they produce high levels of ozone, a reactive gas that may harm human health.
- Do not use more of the cleaning agent than is necessary to complete the job. Read and carefully follow all label instructions for use.
- Always use adequate ventilation during cleaning.
- Keep the ventilation rate high for several hours after cleaning.
- Rinse surfaces liberally with water after cleaning (where appropriate); residual cleaning agents that remain on surfaces will continue to react with any ozone present in the air.
- Remove the paper towels, sponges, and mops used in cleaning from the indoor living space; rinse sponges and mops well before storing.
Sources: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/cleaning_products_fact_sheet-10-2008.pdf
When possible try using warm water, soap and good old fashioned “elbow grease” if it will get the job done adequately. None of us wants to pollute our indoor breathing atmosphere if we can avoid it. These are just a few things to help us think and perhaps make some easy changes to keep our indoor air as clean as possible. If Mr. B’s can answer any questions for help you further with air duct cleaning or air purification, please visit our site or call today.
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