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Air Freshners and Scented Candles causing deadly Indoor Pollution |
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Most of us today do use air fresheners or scented candles at homes to keep our homes fresh and smell good , but in reality it's doing the total opposite. The danger of pollution in the street from car fumes is well understood, but many people are ignorant of the risks from air inside. The warning comes from a joint study by the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health to be published this week. The drive to cut energy bills by insulating properties - keeping out drafts and installing windows that do not open - is playing a part in trapping a potentially toxic air. The report claims that more than 40,000 deaths a year in the UK can be linked to the effect of air pollution outside and inside the home and ?indoor air pollution may have caused or contributed to 99,000 deaths annually in Europe?. It suggests that everyday kitchen products, faulty boilers, open fires, fly sprays, air fresheners, deodorants, DIY and cleaning products contribute to poor indoor air. Recent research in York found raised levels of a VOC called limonene, which is used heavily in air fresheners and scented candles, to give a lemon citrus smell. It is dangerous to inhale on its own and can become formaldehyde - a carcinogen that burns the eyes, irritates the skin, and incites coughing fits, nausea, as well as nose and throat cancers - when it mixes with other airborne elements. Biological materials found in the home, such as house-dust mites, mould and animal dander – flecks of skin and fur - can also harm human health. At the same time, certain furniture, fabric, furnishings, glue and insulation can emit formaldehyde vapour, causing irritation to the lungs. The report warns that while young children and the elderly are particularly sensitive to air pollution, it can have an adverse impact on all age groups. It states: ?Examples include the adverse effects of air pollution on the development of the foetus, including lung and kidney development, and miscarriage increases in heart attacks and strokes for those in later life and the associated links to asthma, diabetes, dementia, obesity and cancer for the wider population.? Air pollution causing tens of thousands of early deaths through heart attacks and strokes, pollution may damage children?s learning ability too. So to reduce indoor pollution make sure you get enough fresh, clean air into your home. Increase ventilation by opening windows and doors after you bring new VOC sources into your house, such as new carpets, furniture, or drapes. Source - DailyMail uk
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1 Comments
This was an informative report. I had no idea Air Freshners are responsible for indoor air pollution. I will definitely spread this message in my community. Thanks for the report.
Posted 23-02-2016 01:11