Apologies for being the bearer of bad tidings, but as summer reluctantly starts to give way to the onset of autumn (and winter, thereafter), the chill of the following seasons means that we start to close our windows and patio/conservatory doors, and keep them shut for sustained periods. And on doing this, many of us might instead reach for the scented candles to brighten up what otherwise amounts to long, dark evenings stretching out ahead. But then, unbeknownst to most, this seemingly innocent pursuit might just be endangering our health.

The constant risk of exposure to outdoor pollutants are very well documented as you know (and include everything from grass, tree and flower-transmitted seasonal pollen through to car fumes and other noxious gasses which big industry continues to pump out into the atmosphere), others which lurk within our four walls go largely unnoticed. Yet conversely, the dangers posed by commonly occurring indoor pollutants should be a greater cause for concern than they are, given that in many cases they often represent a more significant threat to our general health and wellbeing than their outdoor counterparts.

Believe it or not, innocuous everyday items you wouldn’t necessarily give a second though to – such as the abovementioned candles, along with air fresheners, boiler fumes, furniture and printers – can impact on our health in certain circumstances, and have been indirectly attributed to (together with outdoor air pollution) at least 40,000 deaths a year in the UK in recent times. Various recently compiled reports on the topic have found that lives are being placed at risk courtesy of air pollution inside our homes (and places of employment), with suggestions that in addition to the above, everyday kitchen products, open fires, fly sprays, deodorants and DIY/cleaning products contribute to poor indoor air quality.

Candles, really? Explain More…..

It’s no surprise that many of us like to burn candles, if not to lend a more sophisticated and relaxing ambience to a room, then to remove the less pleasant smells after cooking, for example. However said candles can also release toxic chemicals into the air you’re breathing which can accumulate over time. Air fresheners don’t come off any better either, as while there’s no argument that they lend a blast of seemingly fresh air into the home (or office) environment, it’s also important to learn that almost all air fresheners release noxious chemicals. Not just noxious, but fundamentally toxic too, and which have the capacity to exacerbate asthma and other respiratory problems. And printers don’t get off the hook scott free either, as ink jet printer are another omnipresent household item that can contribute to poor air quality within the confines of an indoor space. What’s more, even some pieces of furniture are cited in the same category, especially those manufactured prior to 2006. The toxic chemicals used in many flame retardant treatments applied to furniture of this vintage, contained known carcinogens.

It’s not just in our homes where the dormant risk can lie in wait, as our places of work can equally impact our health. Look no further than the increase in reports of Sick Building Syndrome. As this very blog has touched on previously, inadequate ventilation relating to air conditioning and heating systems in employer properties is a known cause of the universally recognised health condition, keenly aided and abetted by chemical contaminants discovered in the DNA of paint, adhesive, carpet, upholstery, manufactured wood products, photocopiers and cleaning agents. And yes, the toxins emitted from these products include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde, which are explained in detail below.

What Sort of Chemicals Are We Talking About?

Recognised toxic chemicals are part of the ingredients of numerous air freshening products on the market, and include the likes of formaldehyde, camphor, ethanol and phenol, petroleum-based artificial fragrances (which contain their own mix of toxins) and benzyl alcohol, while elsewhere known carcinogens and hormone disrupting substances are used. Prolonged exposure to any of these chemical compounds can lead to symptoms such as headaches, rashes, dizziness, migraines, asthma attacks, mental confusion, coughing and more.

Meanwhile a variety of popular household sprays can often comprise chemicals colloquially referred to as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Essentially these start off as solids or liquids, however readily evaporate into the air it’s been claimed. Research conducted here in the UK found what was described as raised levels of a VOC called limonene, which presents consistently in air fresheners and scented candles, and so to afford these products a familiar – and appealing - lemon citrus odour. The problem arises when it subsequently transforms into formaldehyde when the compound is introduced to – and mixes with – other airborne elements; and which is then dangerous when inhaled. Formaldehyde, of course, being a carcinogen that burns the eyes, irritates the skin and can incite coughing fits, nausea and in extreme cases can result in nose and throat cancers.

New Research into Common Indoor Pollutants which can Compromise Human Health, Bolsters Existing Evidence

But these more recent findings aren’t the first time suspicions have been raised about the way certain things we use on an almost daily basis have the potential to compromise our health, as back in 2007 another study determined that even when used once a week, air fresheners can increase the risk of developing asthma in adults.

At the same time, certain fabrics, furnishings, glue, furniture and insulation can emit formaldehyde vapour, which can irritate the lungs, much in the same way that biological materials discovered in our homes can also have the same detrimental effect on our health. We’re talking about dust mites, mould and animal dander (traces of skin and fur). Although young children and the elderly remain most vulnerable, any of us can be sensitive to indoor air pollution.

As well as highlighting the dangers created by the use of spray-released air fresheners, wall-mounted plug-in alternatives are no less harmful to our health, according to other bodies of research. Many of these contain phthalates, which are classed as hazardous chemicals and are acknowledged to be responsible for hormonal abnormalities, birth defects and reproductive problems when regularly exposed to.

4 Ways we can combat the Threat of Indoor Air Pollutants

• Open your windows – Although not a pleasant thought at the back end of the year, simply by opening windows regularly we’ll release some of these more lingering – and unseen - contaminants. Basically, actively encouraging ventilation allows a large percentage of it to disappear, and be replaced by the circulation of fresh air
• Increase your (house) plant life – The very existence of house plants in situ can stave off indoor pollution. Research has proven that a number of popular house plants have shown to absorb particular chemicals, including formaldehyde. In terms of the most susceptible plants for absorption purposes, and ivy, geraniums, lavender and many ferns are all good performers in this arena. The same rules of engagement apply to office plants too, keep your greenery healthy and well-watered, and they’ll reward employees with healthier indoor air
• Ditch Paraffin-Based Candles and Synthetic Fragrances – Dispense with your paraffin wax-crafted candles (and their inherent benzene and toluene toxic carcinogens), and instead opt for those manifest from beeswax. Elsewhere, organic fragrances and essential oils are a safe option too, so look to frequent essential oil aromatherapies via a diffuser, ring burner, or warm bath
• DIY Organic Fragrances – Yes, why not combine the following non-toxic ingredients to create your own fragrance melt this autumn. Mix 3 tbsp of organic coconut oil, 3 tbsp organic pumpkin spice and 1 tbsp organic ground cinnamon with a pinch of organic whole cloves. Place mixture onto a household wax melter et voila!