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Seven air-pollutants inside your house

Seven sources of indoor air pollution

Whenever any undesirable changes are found in atmosphere, it results into air pollution. There are several types of pollution known until date. However, air pollution is one of the major types of pollution around us. You must have the general idea that air pollution is mainly caused by all those motor vehicles due to fuel burning inside their engines. Recently, it is reported that inner atmosphere of your house can even be more polluted than the outer surrounding air. This may be due to rapid industrialization in urban areas. Studies also reported that each individual spend most of his time at home itself. Therefore, there is higher risk from indoor air pollution than the outdoor air pollution.

As we know, pollution may cause several dreadful diseases and infections in our day-to-day lives. The detrimental symptoms of health can easily be observed through short-term and long-term effects both. The short-term effects such as itching in eyes and throat, irritation in nose, instant headache, faintness, exhaustion, etc. can easily be cured in very less time. Whereas, the serious disease conditions such as respiratory complications, cardiac disorders and even cancer may result due to severe indoor air pollution. All these conditions may appear due to single exposure or numerous exposures faced by you. Hence, the prime requirement is to pay extra attention to the cleanliness of your house specifically. Before implementation, you should be completely aware of all possible sources behind indoor air pollution in your house.Here is a description of some major sources of indoor air pollution, which are hardly known to us.

1. New carpet

New carpet

Carpets are normally manufactured by various types of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). These volatile materials are highly responsible for spreading pollution in your house. To avoid your exposure with VOCs, try to purchase the carpet with less composition of VOC. The carpet composition should also consist of adhesives without formaldehyde content in them. Before placing the carpet inside your room, keep it in outer atmosphere in order to release all dirty materials. Once it is shifted, keep your room fully ventilated by opening all windows and doors. It will be more helpful if you switch on the same room fans continuously for two three days.

2. Broken Compact fluorescent lights

Broken CFLs

The compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are usually famous as less power consumption sources of electricity. This is the main highlight of this product. However, one major disadvantage is also linked with CFLs. The main composition of these lights is mercury element, which is neurotoxin in nature. As a result, whenever these lights get broken in your house, it leads to dangerous polluted surroundings. Do not use CFLs in lamps that are easily approachable by kids. In this way, you can reduce the risks of its breakage. It is not recommended for houses having pregnant women. By chance, if CFLs get broken then clean the house in proper manner. Firstly, close the central air of the house while clearing the broken parts from the floor. Also, keep windows open just after the breakage of CFLs.

3. New electronics and plastic objects

New electronics and plastic objects

Plastics are always considered the major source for air pollution. Plastics mainly release chemicals such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, which are commonly known as chemical retardant chemicals. This particular chemical constituent has powerful impact on your brain in terms of neurobehavioral disorders. Apart from plastics, many electronic gadgets or appliances consist of polyvinyl chloride, which is ultimately responsible for emission of phthalates. These phthalates causes serious damage to reproductive and hormonal system of your body. Clean all your electronic appliances such as television, computers, printers, music systems etc. at regular basis with the help of vacuum cleaner. Set proper ventilation until the chemical odor finishes completely.

4. Glues and adhesives

Glue and adhesives

Glues and adhesives are also richest source of volatile organic compounds. The main compounds are methyl or ethyl ketone and acetone. These compounds are very much successful in causing irritation in eyes and damage to your brain system. Especially, rubber cement consist a neurotoxin compound called n-hexane. In addition, the toxic formaldehydes are the major constituent of most of the adhesives. You must try to use only water based glues, which are usually free from formaldehyde compounds. Keep a distance while working with adhesive and glues. Whenever you are going to deal with such harmful materials, always maintain the proper ventilation in your room.

5. Heating equipments

Heating equipments

All heating equipments such as gas stoves, heaters, chimneys, etc. play a major role in indoor air pollution. Gas stoves are responsible for emitting the harmful gas called carbon monoxide. This particular gas causes headaches, faintness, tiredness and even leads to death at times. Apart from it, may also release gases like nitrogen dioxide and particulates, which ultimately leads to infections in nose, throat and eyes. It is also reported that heating equipments may also be the cause for serious respiratory problems. So try to service your heating appliances and equipments such as furnace, chimneys yearly. Use a shed above your kitchen stove in order to reduce risks of indoor air pollution. You may also use carbon monoxide alarms in your house as a safety measure against pollution.

6. Paints and strippers

Paints and strippers

Usually, most of the people have allergy against paints odor. However, these paints may also harm you in terms of air pollutant. Paints also emit volatile organic compounds once they are dried after applying on the walls and ultimately cause tiredness and headaches. Apart from it, some other related materials such as adhesive removers, aerosol spray paints, and strippers also consist of some toxic chemicals like methylene chloride. This chloride compound is highly responsible to cause cancer in animals. Use latex paints over oil paints in order to reduce the chances of risks. Arrange the proper ventilation especially for the painting room. Use masks before visiting room, which is being painted. Most importantly, pregnant women should avoid the usage of paint strippers or any form of chemical paints.

7. Pressed-wood products and upholstered furniture

Pressed-wood products and upholstered furniture

Generally, every house has furniture and wood products such as wall paneling, plywood, hardwood, particleboard, etc. All these add extra beauty to your room. However, these households may also cause some serious problems to your health. All wood objects may easily emit formaldehyde compound, which is considered as carcinogen causing cancer. Besides, they also lead to condition of throat, eye and nose inflammation, coughing, tiredness and allergies like skin rashes. Avoid the usage of formaldehyde consisting wood products and furniture. Maintain the proper ventilation of your house if there is existence of new wood products. Prefer exterior grade pressed wood materials as they comprised of phenol resins, which are less detrimental.

Via: Care2

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