Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Hidden polluters in your home

First let’s look at the cleaning products we use every day. Many of them contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that evaporate into the air. These can cause headaches and eye irritation and can also exacerbate respiratory problems. If you do use these products do so sparingly and open windows and use exhaust fans to ensure good ventilation. If you can, try to use natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda. You can also purchase natural products like the Method line of cleaners.

Paint and varnish also release VOCs and other chemicals during application and drying. Thankfully in the last several years manufacturers have been bringing better options to the marketplace. There are low VOC options available like Glidden Fundamentals Interior paint. Again, always paint or varnish in a well-ventilated area and make sure the paint and varnish are completely dry before closing the room.

Another sneaky polluter in the home is air fresheners. They can contain phthalates as well as VOCS. Use natural air fresheners instead like potpourri and essential oils. Keep every room well ventilated to reduce odors. 

Scented candles can release benzene and toluene. Natural candles made from beeswax or soy are much safer and don’t give off dangerous chemicals. Candles also release soot that can mar your painted and varnished surfaces. 

Carpets and rugs emit VOCs mostly from the adhesives, backing materials and dyes. There are low VOC and eco-friendly carpets available. Check out Wayfair for low VOC options. Also clean your carpets regularly and vacuum often. Over time rugs and carpets trap many allergens, dust and dirt. 

Furniture can also be a culprit. Less expensive furniture made from pressed wood or particle board can emit formaldehyde and other VOCs. Invest in solid wood furniture that have been finished off with a low-VOC varnish.

And lastly pesticides. These can release chemicals that linger and cause skin irritation and respiratory problems. Here again we have natural pest control methods available to us. I use light traps for small flying insects. Many natural methods use organic oils to eliminate and deter pests. Use a combination of these natural methods. 

Keep your home air cleaner with ventilation. Houseplants like spider plants and peace lilies clean the air. Regular cleaning will reduce dust and mold. Keep humidity low, between 30-50% to reduce mold and dust mites. Invest in an air purifier with a HEPA and activated carbon filters.  

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago