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Indoor Air Pollutants to be Aware of This Winter
When you consider that our houses are usually closed up tight in the winter to help keep cold air at bay, it’s no wonder poor indoor air quality tends to spike this time of year.
Keep an eye out for these common sources of indoor air pollution this winter, and take steps to reduce their impact where you can.
Combustion Sources
Combustion sources — include gas, kerosene, coal, wood and oil — are plentiful this time of year, as appliances like wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, furnaces and hot water heaters rely on them. To help minimize the release of pollution into your indoor air, keep your appliances well-maintained.
Pet Dander
If you’re staying inside more because of bleak weather, chances are your pets are hunkering down, too. Coupled with less ventilation, that means pet dander levels in the home are likely to rise. To help keep dander levels under control, vacuum floors and furniture regularly, stay on top of air filter changes and do any grooming in closed off areas.
Cooking Particles
Chilly winter days call for whipping up something warm and toasty in the kitchen. Unfortunately, cooking at home is an easy way to release gaseous and particulate pollutants into your home’s air, especially when it’s oil-based. Cooking with oil tends to release higher levels of emissions than water-based cooking. Turning on the range hood while cooking is a simple and effective way to improve ventilation and remove pollutants.¹
Candles
You may have been advised to stay away from paraffin wax candles. That’s because paraffin is made from petroleum and, compared to other waxes, it tends to generate greater emissions.² If you’re still craving cozy candlelight during the dark winter months, we get it. Just try to stick with beeswax or soy waxes.
Mold and Mildew
This may sound like a warm weather-problem, but mold and mildew are a risk year-round. While your indoor air may feel more dry in the winter, be careful not to over do it with a humidifier. Humidity levels should stay between 30% and 50%.³ Additionally, remember that sources of ventilation are already reduced in the winter, so turn on the exhaust fan when showering and cooking.
Home Improvement Activities
Ever find yourself at a loss for how to keep busy during the coldest months of the year? While it may sound like the perfect time to tackle some at-home DIY projects, we recommend delaying until spring. From painting and varnishing to sanding and carpeting, it’s best to wait until you can complete these tasks with windows open to let the fumes escape.
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