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Why Is Your Winter Indoor Air So Toxic?



In a nutshell, winter indoor air is often even more toxic than summer indoor air because there is typically less ventilation from opening windows or doors; very low humidity, which lowers the body's ability to cope with indoor toxins; and more use of appliances that contribute their own toxic by-products into the air.

 Here is a list of the most commonly cited indoor airborne toxins, courtesy of the Canadian Lung Association:

  • Fumes and gases from wood-burning stoves and fireplaces
  • Tobacco smoke, fumes, by-products
  • Household cleaning products, air fresheners, and scents, including candles and          perfumes
  • Carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides from gas appliances
  • Formaldehyde from pressed wood furnishings and carpeting
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from use of indoor pesticides, home improvement products, and craft glues
  • Radon seeping up from cracks in foundation and walls
  • Mould and mildew growth in damp areas such as basements and bathrooms


Although some or all of these toxins are always present, winter brings a combination of changes that can exacerbate the health damage they cause.  The first big change is a reduction in indoor air humidity levels. With naturally drier winter air, your respiratory system and sinuses get quickly dried out, causing irritation and making it easier for cold and flu germs, allergens, and bacteria to take hold.

 The second big change is increased reliance on heat production, especially from wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. Heat not only further dries out your indoor air and body tissues, but it also adds more of certain toxins into your indoor air than would be present during warmer weather.

 Together, the additional dryness and added toxins can spell particular dangers for very young and old family members as well as for household pets—well, really, everyone.

 4 Quick Tips to Clean Up Your Indoor Air
These four tips can help you make an immediate impact on the cleanliness and safety of your indoor air supply.

 Tip 1: Reduce reliance on wood and/or gas for heating and cooking
Wood and gas release a potent cocktail of toxins into your indoor air, including formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, particulate matter (ash, dust, soot, smoke), nitrogen oxides, and similar others.
By consolidating cooking and refraining from use of that oh-so-inviting winter staple, the fireplace, you can reduce the amount of wood and/or gas toxins that are present in your indoor air supply.

 Tip 2: Tackle home improvement or craft projects with caution
Even under the best of circumstances, many of the solvents, adhesives, paints, thinners, cleaner, and other DIY supplies are typically packed full of potent toxins.
If you do decide to while away the winter days by repainting, refinishing, or refurbishing, choose the products you use with care and be sure to ventilate well (open windows and doors, run fans) in the areas you are working in.

 Tip 3: Don’t use tobacco or nicotine inside the house
When you burn tobacco, what really happens is a process called “combustion.” Combustion, which occurs when a heat source ignites a fuel source in the presence of oxygen, releases by-products including gases and chemicals.
You may love to smoke or use tobacco products and even find it soothing and calming (many people do). But your lungs aren’t quite so keen on it, nor are the lungs of those around you.

 Today, it is known that tobacco alone contains 400+ chemicals, including scary-sounding chemicals like hydrogen cyanide, formaldehyde, tar, carbon monoxide, benzene, and, of course, nicotine.

 So, when you use tobacco indoors, everyone’s lungs will be impacted—including, of course, yours. If you do choose to smoke or use nicotine at home, for everyone’s safety as well as overall indoor air quality (not to mention for cleanliness—smoke inside gets in the draperies and carpets, and yellows blinds and walls), it is best to do so outdoors only.

 Tip 4: Don’t forget to stoke your “inner furnace”
Sometimes, you may feel colder for reasons that have nothing to do with the actual ambient indoor air temperature at home or at work. Perhaps you were running late this morning and didn’t have time for breakfast. Maybe you are fighting off a cold and your body is burning more fuel than usual keeping your healthy. Or perhaps you just didn’t dress warmly enough for the day’s weather.

 By stoking your inner furnace with warm, layered outerwear and sufficient nutrition and exercise, you can reduce your reliance on powered heat sources that can toxify your indoor air.

 If you are concerned about your indoor air then you can Contact Us to schedule an indoor air quality inspection and test.


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