Six sources of off-gassing in your home

Some of the worst offenders of off-gassing are the most common things in your home. Read on to find out more.

We all know and love the “new” scent of various things. Those can be smell new sofa set, new bedsheets or your new non-stick pan. No matter how comforting and exciting this smell may be, it is vital to note that whether or not these odours and smells are good for your health or not. Off-gassing is the release of toxic and harmful chemicals from the different things commonly used in our house. Let’s have a look at some of the commonly used sources of off-gassing in our homes.

  1. Paints
The biggest and prominent culprit of off-gassing in your house is paints and coatings. As we mix paints and when it dries, the VOC’s or volatile organic compound is released. The bad news is that these gases are extremely toxic to humans if they are exposed to them on a regular basis. So, to minimize risk, ventilate the house with open doors and windows while painting. Also, opt for greener paints.
  1. Air Freshener
When we use air-fresheners in our rooms and house to make it smell pleasant, we are just welcoming toxic and nefarious gases. Air freshener ironically does not freshen the air rather pollutes them.
  1. Nail polish
Nail Polish is full of acetone which can cause irritation in the eyes, throat and lung. Not only that, nail polish and nail polish remover can also cause fatigue, headaches, dizziness etc.

4.Scented candles

Scented candles are the current must-haves in the house. Their aroma gives us a feeling of well-being, but do you know that scented candles can also be the reason for all increase in chemical pollution in our house. Instead of scented candles, opt for natural home scents of wildflowers, pine branches, eucalyptus, and cinnamon sticks.

  1. Cleaning products
The cleaning products that give you blemish and streak-free kitchen and floor can potentially destroy the clean air of your house. Opt for green and chemical and bleach-free cleaners, and if you are using cleaning agents with harsh chemicals, cover your face and ventilate the house.
  1. Non-stick pans
Non-stick pans and pots have revolutionized the way we cook, but they are lethal to your long-term well-being. Most of these pans are coated with a chemical named PTFE. This PTFE coated pans, when heated at a really high temperature, emit fumes that are toxic.

So, be very vigilant about the good and the bad of things you commonly used for a healthy and happy home.