Fall and Winter Home Decorations That Can Worsen Air Quality

The seasons of fall and winter often come with putting up decorations around the home, but some decorations can actually worsen air quality. Decorating your house in Honolulu and Fort Shafter can be a lot of fun but it's important to be safe, too. Many fall and winter decorations can release harmful chemicals into the air and agitate allergies and asthma. So, which decorations should you avoid during this time of year?

Scented Candles

Candles may smell nice, but they often use chemicals that are harmful to people and pets. These chemicals can spread through the air as they melt, especially as the wax is made of paraffin. Some candles even contain lead! If you'd like to have scented candles in your home during the fall season, try to purchase ones that are made of beeswax with a cotton wick.

Reed Diffusers

Reed diffusers can also worsen the air quality in a home. Most reed diffusers are made with fragrances instead of essential oils, and fragrances can cause harmful chemicals to spread through the air just like scented candles. When purchasing reed diffusers, be sure to get ones that are made with essential oils. 

Pumpkins

Pumpkins can be a great fall decoration, but be careful with them. If a pumpkin starts to rot it will grow mold that can worsen the air quality in a home, especially when you live in the tropical state of Hawaii. Mold will always be something you want to keep away as it can agitate allergies and asthma, and even cause a person to be more sensitive to it with prolonged exposure. Make sure your pumpkins stay fresh! After carving it, take it outside and spray it with water and bleach to preserve it.

Holiday Decorations

Halloween decorations can pose a health risk when they're made of cheap plastic. Sometimes these cheap plastic decorations can release harmful chemicals into the air over time, so be sure to always purchase plastic decorations that are non-toxic. The same is true for winter holiday decorations.

Fake Snow

People spray fake snow onto Christmas trees during the holidays in Fort Shafter, but phony snow can contain acetone or methylene chloride. When inhaled, these chemicals may cause nausea, dizziness, or headaches. If spray snow is a must for someone, use a small amount and make sure the room is properly ventilated.

Christmas Trees

Whether you prefer a live tree or a fake one, it's important to be aware of the dangers Christmas trees may pose. A live tree can spread pollen and mold, while a fake one can spread dust if it's not properly cleaned. All of these things can agitate allergies and asthma. Hose off trees to remove dust and pollen before putting them up!

Celebrate the Holiday Season with Senior Helpers of Moanoalua-Honolulu

Senior Helpers of Moanoalua-Honolulu is a great option for those seeking in-home care in the area. Professional caregivers from Senior Helpers are happy to help you or your loved one with everyday tasks such as bathing, eating, and chores. They'll provide companionship and keep family members in Honolulu and Fort Shafter updated on their loved one's health. Contact Senior Helpers today to learn more about what we can do for you.