There are several types of decor elements that have become commonplace in homes. They have become such an integral part of our daily lives that we do not give much thought to their utility as long as they are serving their function. But what if we tell you that several items in your home’s interior are actually harmful for your health? That’s right. Regardless of their functionality, they can have adverse effects on your health in the long run. In this article, we have curated a list of 10 common items and elements present in your home you should consider repairing or getting rid of to avoid harming your health.
See also: Vastu tips and remedies to promote good health
Synthetic carpets
Synthetic fibres commonly used for making carpets, such as nylon or polyester, contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene. In poorly-ventilated spaces, these chemicals have a tendency to off-gas and cause respiratory problems and allergies. Moreover, these carpets become home for dust and allergens such as dander, making it a big no-no for sensitive individuals.
Heavy curtains
Thick curtains are not very easy to clean. Therefore, they can accumulate dust, pet dander and mould spores. Their thickness acts as a barrier to smooth airflow, leading to trapped allergens that might trigger allergies or asthma. They also provide the perfect breeding environment for dust mites that comfortably thrive in dark and humid spots.
Old furniture
Earlier, formaldehyde used to be a major ingredient in the manufacturing of wooden furniture, especially pressed wood or if treated with flame retardants. When off-gassed into the air, it can cause indoor air pollution and potential health problems such as respiratory uneasiness, headaches and dizziness.
Scented candles and air fresheners
If you use agents like scented candles or air fresheners to add fragrance to the indoor air, you should stop immediately. These materials contain significant quantities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and toluene. These can irritate the respiratory systems and trigger allergic reactions. Moreover, using these are not recommended for use around individuals with asthma or chemical sensitivities as they can trigger symptoms.
Artificial plants
If you like some greenery but cannot invest much time or efforts to achieve it for your space, you might consider using artificial plants. However, doing so is not advisable as they are prone to accumulate dust, mould and other allergens. When attempting to remove them by dusting, you might end up releasing these allergens into the air, triggering respiratory issues in individuals prone to them.
Wallpaper glue
The adhesive used in wallpapers on the side that goes on the wall might emit VOCs that pollute the indoor air. This can lead to respiratory problems and dizziness. Moreover, it is very easy for moisture to get trapped between the wallpaper and the wall, especially in humid regions. This can further compromise the indoor air quality by releasing mould spores.
High VOC paints
If the paints used for walls contain high amounts of VOC, they can emit harmful gases into the air for a long period of time post application. Respiratory uneasiness, headaches and dizziness are some common symptoms you might face due to this. It is recommended to use paints with low or zero VOC content to resolve this problem and promote better indoor air quality.
Clutter
Alongside making the space look untidy and unappealing, accumulated clutter can also harbour dust and support breeding of allergens. It creates the ideal conditions for dust mites to thrive and cause allergic reactions and respiratory discomfort to those prone to it. Clutter can also overwhelm the space and make it difficult to maintain hygiene.
Poor lighting
If your space is not well-lit, it can strain the eyes and cause headaches and fatigue. Inadequate or harsh lighting can impact the overall ambiance of the space and result in decreased productivity. Moreover, dim lighting makes it difficult to see the surroundings clearly, thereby giving way to accidents and mishaps. For a comfortable and functional space, proper lighting is indispensable.
Improperly maintained HVAC systems
If the air ducts and filters in HVAC systems are not properly cleaned and maintained, they are bound to circulate allergens like dust, pollen and mould spores throughout the indoor space. This, if combined with inefficient ventilation, can result in poor indoor air quality that might trigger respiratory problems. Regular cleaning and replacement of filters of HVAC systems is key in promoting healthy indoor air.
FAQs
Why are synthetic carpets bad for health?
The chemicals used in manufacturing synthetic carpets, such as formaldehyde and benzene, can off-gas and cause respiratory problems. The allergens and dust trapped in the carpet can also be harmful.
How do heavy curtains affect indoor air quality?
If not cleaned regularly, heavy curtains can accumulate dust and allergens and breed dust mites, causing respiratory discomfort.
What makes old furniture harmful to health?
Old wooden furniture may contain formaldehyde that can off-gas into the air and cause indoor air pollution.
Why are scented candles and air fresheners considered unhealthy?
The VOC present in scented candles and air fresheners can trigger respiratory problems and allergic reactions.
How do artificial plants impact indoor air quality?
Artificial plants tend to accumulate dust, mould and allergens that are released into the air when attempting to be dusted, thereby worsening indoor air quality.
Why are VOCs in paints harmful?
Volatile organic compounds or VOCs in paints emit harmful gases into the indoor air, causing respiratory irritation and headaches.
How do improperly maintained HVAC systems affect health?
Dirty air ducts and filters of HVAC systems can circulate dust and allergens throughout the indoor air, thereby worsening its quality.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
Riddhi Chatterji is currently pursuing a master’s degree in English literature from University of Delhi. Her meticulous attention to detail and the desire to make a learning experience out of every opportunity has allowed her to work with different forms of textual content for digital platforms, ranging from social media to news desks. When not working or studying , you can find her with her head buried in a book, discovering new music and movies, or out and about exploring the city on the metro.
