5 Fall and Winter Home Decorations That Can Worsen Air Quality (And What to Do About It)
Our houses should be a secure haven where we (including our seniors) can rest and feel at ease, yet many people are unaware that toxins are present in the seasonal decorations we use. While these decorations are not entirely a bad idea, some of them create a hazardous atmosphere for our elders by worsening the quality of indoor air. If you are in Burnsville, Saint Paul, Cottage Grove, or Hastings, and considering fall and winter decorations, it is important to reconsider some of them because of their pollution potential.
What Decorations Can Worsen Air Quality?
The following are some of the fall and winter home decorations that may worsen your home's air quality:
1. Cheap Potpourri
Potpourri is a fragrance-making blend of dried leaves, flowers, and spices. Although it may smell wonderful, potpourri is not good for your health. Cheap potpourri contains chemicals that can cause respiratory difficulties, headaches, and skin irritation.
If there is potpourri in your home in Hastings, it's better to get rid of it and find a more secure method to enjoy the aroma of spices and flowers.
2. Moist Pumpkins
Pumpkins can't be hazardous because they're only fruit, right? Everyone is aware that pumpkins are a traditional household decoration. Unfortunately, mold grows on pumpkins over time. Mold is a notoriously sneaky air contaminant since it comes in hundreds of different varieties. This is especially true in wet and damp environments in Saint Paul and Cottage Grove.
Moldy items must be disposed of with caution. Also, maintain pumpkins dry and spray a combination of bleach and water straight on the pumpkins to keep them fresher for longer.
3. Plastic Decorations
The bulk of fall and winter decorations are most likely made of plastic. When you unpack new products, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released. This is referred to as off-gassing. Furthermore, off-gassing is a continuous issue. In fact, new items can release VOCs for weeks or months after they are opened.
To avoid this hazardous process, be sure to buy non-toxic winter and fall decorations. You can use natural decorations, such as natural and fresh flowers, in your Burnsville home.
4. Scented Candles
Scented candles contribute to poor indoor air quality by emitting poisonous and hazardous airborne chemicals that degrade indoor air quality and provide varying degrees of health risk. When paraffin is burnt, it emits benzene and other harmful chemicals, which contribute significantly to cigarette smoke.
If you or your senior are a candle addict who can't stop burning one or a handful, go for natural candles featuring cotton wicks instead. These allow you to obtain the glow without having to worry about harming your home's air quality.
5. Dusty Decorations Out of Storage
Dusty decorations that have been sitting about for a while may also have an impact on the air quality in your house. As you unwind and stretch them, dust particles are released into the air. The particles degrade indoor air quality because they circulate all through your home. The dust has an effect on your respiration.
You may have to blow away the dust outdoors before using them for your indoor decorations.
Seniors Helpers Burnsville Will Help Your Elders
Are you in Saint Paul, Cottage Grove, or Hastings, and need help with ensuring the best care for your seniors? Senior Helpers Burnsville is a leading provider of in-home senior care, offering everything from specialized care for individuals with chronic conditions, such as Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease, to companion services for seniors who may need help with everyday tasks. Contact us today to learn about what we can do for your loved one!