The holiday season is a busy time of activities and excitement as families and friends come together to celebrate. Amidst the merriment, it's easy to overlook a crucial aspect of our surroundings—indoor air quality (IAQ). As you decorate your home and prepare holiday meals, potentially unidentified air quality issues that may catch you by surprise. In this blog post, Small Planet Supply delves into the indoor air quality challenges that the holiday season presents and offer actionable solutions to ensure fresher air for you, your family, and your guests.

Holiday Decorations and Indoor Air Quality

Decorating with lights, garlands and ornaments is a holiday tradition for many.  However, some materials commonly used in decorations can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Here are some things you can do to improve air quality around decorating for the holidays:

Choose Low-Impact Materials

Choose natural and eco-friendly materials for decorations whenever possible. Consider using real, sustainably sourced greenery, such as wreaths made from real branches, rather than artificial alternatives.

Avoid PVC-based Decorations

Many artificial Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Consider opting for PVC-free decorations made from alternative materials like wood, metal, or fabric.

Air Out New Decorations

If you purchase new decorations, especially those made of synthetic materials, air them out in a well-ventilated area before bringing them inside. This allows any off-gassing of chemicals to occur outside your living space.

Ventilate During Decorating

If you don’t have a whole house heat recovery ventilation system, such as Zehnder, or Fresh-r, ensure good ventilation while decorating by opening windows and doors. This helps to disperse any pollutants released from new decorations and allows fresh outdoor air to circulate inside your home.

Avoid Excessive Use of Artificial Snow and Other Aerosol-Based Sprays

Hopefully, this is a trend whose time has come and gone.  But if you’re a fan of snow-in-a-can, know that artificial snow sprays and aerosol-based decorations can introduce particulate matter and other chemicals into the air. If you choose to use them, use them sparingly and ensure good ventilation when spraying.

Choose LED Lights

LED holiday lights are energy-efficient and emit less heat compared to traditional incandescent lights. Not only are LED lights more energy-efficient, hey also contain fewer hazardous materials, reducing their environmental impact.

Store Decorations Properly Between Uses

When the holiday season is over, store decorations in airtight containers to prevent dust and pollutants from accumulating on them between uses. This can minimize the release of pollutants when you bring them out the following year.

Consider Second-Hand Decorations

Consider purchasing second-hand holiday decorations. Not only will you be re-using items, lowering your holiday global footprint, older decorations are likely to have already off-gassed, reducing the immediate impact on IAQ.

By being mindful of the materials you use and incorporating these strategies into your holiday decorating routine, you can enjoy a festive atmosphere around your home while minimizing the impact on Indoor Air Quality.

Holiday Cooking and Indoor Air Quality

The holiday season is also prime cooking and baking time. While the aroma of festive treats is a much-anticipated pleasure, the cooking process itself can introduce pollutants. Burning food, frying, or roasting can release particles and gases, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Here are some ways to decrease the impact of cooking and baking on indoor air quality in your home:

Use Proper Ventilation

Use exhaust fans in the kitchen to remove cooking-related pollutants directly from the air. Make sure the fan is vented outside rather than recirculating the air within the kitchen. If you don’t already have one, and if it’s possible, install a range hood above your stove to capture and vent cooking pollutants outside. Be sure to choose a hood that meets the recommended airflow capacity for your kitchen.

Open Windows and Doors While Cooking

If you don’t have a Zehnder or Fresh-r heat recover ventilation system, you’ll need to increase natural ventilation. Open windows and doors while cooking to allow fresh outdoor air to circulate and dilute indoor pollutants. This is especially important during high-heat cooking methods or when using gas appliances.

Optimize Cooking Methods

When possible, choose cooking methods that produce fewer pollutants. For example, steaming and boiling generate fewer emissions compared to frying or grilling. Covering pots and pans with lids while cooking can help trap pollutants and prevent them from spreading into the air. If weather permits, consider moving some cooking activities, like grilling, to an outdoor space to minimize indoor pollutant levels.

Maintain Appliances

Ensure that cooking appliances, such as gas stoves and ovens, are well-maintained by performing regular maintenance.  Regularly clean burners, vents, and exhaust fans to promote efficient combustion and to minimize emissions in your home.

Switch to Electric Cooking Appliances

Electric stoves and ovens generally produce fewer indoor air pollutants than gas appliances. If possible, consider switching from natural gas to electric cooking appliances. 

Use Green Cleaning Products in the Kitchen

The use of eco-friendly cleaning products reduces the introduction of additional pollutants into the indoor air while keeping your kitchen clean.  Harsh chemical cleaners can contribute to poor IAQ.  Making your own kitchen cleaning products not only reduces chemicals in kitchen but often saves money too.

Be Mindful of Cooking Oil Choices

Some cooking oils can release particles and VOCs when heated at high temperatures. Consider using oils with higher smoke points for high-temperature cooking. Some higher smoke point oils include: refined avocado, safflower, canola, soybean, refined peanut, refined sunflower and refined coconut oils.

INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND CANDLES

Candles and scented products are popular choices for creating a cozy holiday ambiance, but the kind of candles you choose can impact indoor air quality (IAQ).  Choosing candles with minimal impact on IAQ involves opting for products that are made from natural, non-toxic materials. Here are some recommendations for candles, including scented options, that have a reduced negative impact on indoor air quality:

Beeswax candles are a natural and sustainable option. They burn cleanly and release negative ions that can help purify the air. Look for candles made from 100% pure beeswax without added fragrances.

Soy candles are made from soybean wax, a renewable resource. They typically produce less soot than traditional paraffin candles and are often considered a more environmentally friendly option. Choose soy candles without synthetic additives or fragrances.

Candles scented with essential oils provide a natural and pleasing aroma without the use of synthetic fragrances. Ensure that the candle is made with 100% pure essential oils and a natural wax base, such as soy or beeswax.

Coconut Wax Candles are another eco-friendly option. Coconut wax is derived from the meat of coconuts and is considered a sustainable choice. Look for candles that are free from synthetic fragrances and additives.

Palm Wax Candles are a natural alternative to paraffin wax. When sustainably sourced, it can be an environmentally friendly option. Look for candles made from certified sustainable palm wax.

Carnauba Wax Candles are made from carnauba wax is derived from the leaves of the carnauba palm. It is a hard and durable wax often used in combination with other natural waxes to create candles. Be sure to check that the candle is free from synthetic additives.

Pure Paraffin Candles. While paraffin candles are commonly used, choosing ones labeled as "pure paraffin" may reduce potential impurities. However, paraffin candles are still derived from petroleum, so alternatives like beeswax or soy may be preferable for those seeking more sustainable options.

Tips for Minimizing IAQ Impact of Candles:

• Look for candles labeled as "clean" or "non-toxic"

• Avoid candles with synthetic fragrances and dyes, as they can release harmful VOCs

• Trim candle wicks to 1/4 inch to reduce soot production

• Burn candles in well-ventilated areas to disperse any emissions.

Always check the product labels and descriptions to ensure that the candles you choose meet your criteria for minimal impact on indoor air quality. Additionally, consider using candles in moderation and in well-ventilated spaces to further reduce any potential indoor air quality impact.

Make Planning for Indoor Air Quality a Pre-Event Discussion

No one thinks twice these days about querying guests about food allergies or preferences.  Ensuring you and your guests enjoy the holidays with no long-lasting health effects could mean discussing how you want to keep your home’s air healthy.  Here are some things to contemplate when communicating with your friends and family about keeping indoor air clean.

Communicate Indoor Air Quality Preservation Practices in Advance

Prior to their arrival, provide your guests with information about your IAQ preferences and any specific guidelines you'd like them to follow. This can include requests related to smoking, shoe removal, or awareness of scented products. Be sure to frame guidelines positively. When communicating IAQ guidelines, do so in a positive and friendly manner. For example, you can express your commitment to maintaining a healthy living space and explain how guests' cooperation contributes to this goal benefits everyone.

Designate Smoking Areas

If you have a no-smoking policy indoors, clearly designate outdoor smoking areas. Communicate this to your guests and provide a comfortable space for them to smoke outside while minimizing the impact on indoor air quality.

Shoe Removal

Want to keep your home and your air clean?  Consider requesting that guests remove their shoes upon entering your home. This helps prevent outdoor pollutants, such as dirt and contaminants, from being tracked indoors.

Provide IAQ-Friendly Alternatives to Scented Products

If you prefer to maintain a fragrance-free environment, or if a guest has indicated scent-sensitivity, provide guests with unscented hand soaps, lotions, and other personal care items. Avoid using air fresheners that contain synthetic fragrances.

Ensure Good Ventilation

If you're hosting a gathering with a larger number of people, ensure that your gathering space is well-ventilated.  If you have a Zehnder HRV or ERV, this is its moment to shine.    If you don’t, open windows and doors to allow fresh outdoor air to circulate and dilute indoor pollutants.

Let Indoor Plants Clean Your Air Beautifully

Consider adding air-purifying indoor plants to your decor. Not only do they enhance a room’s aesthetic appeal, but they also contribute to improving Indoor Air Quality.  Plants that especially improve air quality include:

• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Effective at removing pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene.

• Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): Known for its ability to filter out benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and other harmful pollutants.

• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Excellent at removing common indoor pollutants such as ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde.

• Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller): Known for its air-purifying capabilities and its ability to remove formaldehyde and benzene.

• Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Effective at eliminating pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene.

Provide IAQ Information in Guest Rooms

Consider placing a small note or information card in guest rooms, outlining IAQ practices and providing helpful tips. This can serve as a friendly reminder without making guests feel uncomfortable.  If you don’t have a whole home ventilation system, you might want to consider adding a room-size air filtration system in your guest room to improve air quality.

As you prepare for the winter holidays, mindfully consider ways to improve indoor air quality. By understanding the various factors that can affect IAQ during the festive season and implementing practical solutions, you can create a healthier and more comfortable environment for yourself and your loved ones. From choosing eco-friendly decorations to embracing IAQ etiquette, every small step contributes to a cleaner and healthier indoor space. This holiday season, prioritize not only the joy of celebration but also the experience of fresh, clean air for your home.

The Small Planet Supply Team wishes you and your family a season filled with warmth, happiness, and lots of fresh air!

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