Many contain fragrance chemicals like limonene or phthalates
When limonene reacts with indoor ozone, it can form low levels of formaldehyde
Burning paraffin wax releases soot and VOCs (similar to diesel exhaust)
✅ Safer habits:
Choose beeswax or soy candles with cotton wicks
Avoid synthetic fragrances — opt for essential oils (used sparingly)
Ventilate rooms well during and after use
Limit use if you have asthma
📌 Occasional use is generally safe — but daily, long-term exposure in poorly ventilated spaces should be minimized.
2. Non-Ventilated Cleaning Products
Strong cleaners (oven sprays, bleach, ammonia) release fumes that irritate lungs
Mixing bleach + vinegar or ammonia creates toxic chlorine gas
✅ Safer habits:
Use natural alternatives (vinegar, baking soda, castile soap) when possible
Always open windows or turn on fans
Wear gloves and avoid inhaling directly
3. Plug-in Air Fresheners & Automatic Sprays
These continuously emit fragrance into the air — increasing cumulative exposure
Some contain phthalates, linked to hormone disruption in animal studies
✅ Safer habits:
Use intermittently, not constantly
Place in well-ventilated areas
Consider activated charcoal or HEPA air purifiers instead
4. Pressed Wood Furniture & Particleboard
Found in cabinets, shelves, desks
Older or low-quality items may emit formaldehyde from adhesives
✅ Safer habits:
Look for CARB Phase 2 or TSCA Title VI compliant labels (low-emission standards)
Let new furniture off-gas in a garage or sunny room before bringing inside
Increase ventilation in new homes or remodeled spaces
5. Gas Stoves
Release nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide, and fine particles
Linked to increased asthma symptoms in children
✅ Safer habits:
Always use the range hood (vented outside if possible)
Open a window while cooking
Consider switching to induction cooktops for cleaner air
6. Old Carpets & Dust Traps
Carpets can trap dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and chemical residues
Vacuuming stirs them up — especially without a HEPA filter
✅ Safer habits:
Clean regularly with a HEPA-filter vacuum
Remove shoes at the door to reduce tracked-in pollutants
Replace old, musty carpets — especially in damp areas
✅ How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Open windows daily
Flushes out stale air and VOCs
Use exhaust fans in kitchen & bathroom
Removes moisture and pollutants
Keep humidity between 30–50%
Prevents mold growth
Ban smoking indoors
Secondhand smoke is a major lung hazard
Test your home for radon
The #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers
🩺 Radon test kits are inexpensive and available at hardware stores.
