Look for CARB Phase 2 or TSCA Title VI compliant labels (low-emission standards)
Let new furniture off-gas in a garage or sunny room before bringing inside
Increase ventilation in new homes or remodeled spaces
5. Gas Stoves
Release nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide, and fine particles
Linked to increased asthma symptoms in children
Safer habits:
Always use the range hood (vented outside if possible)
Open a window while cooking
Consider switching to induction cooktops for cleaner air
6. Old Carpets & Dust Traps
Carpets can trap dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and chemical residues
Vacuuming stirs them up — especially without a HEPA filter
Safer habits:
Clean regularly with a HEPA-filter vacuum
Remove shoes at the door to reduce tracked-in pollutants
Replace old, musty carpets — especially in damp areas
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Open windows daily
Flushes out stale air and VOCs
Use exhaust fans in kitchen & bathroom
Removes moisture and pollutants
Keep humidity between 30–50%
Prevents mold growth
Ban smoking indoors
Secondhand smoke is a major lung hazard
Test your home for radon
The #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers
🩺 Radon test kits are inexpensive and available at hardware stores.
Debunking the Myths
v
No evidence — occasional use poses minimal risk
“All fragrances are toxic”
Not true — many are safe; concentration and exposure matter
“You need an air purifier in every room”
Helpful for allergy sufferers, but not always necessary
“Only dirty homes have bad air”
Even clean homes can have VOCs from new furniture or paint
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to throw out everything in your home to breathe easier.
You just need to understand what’s in your space — and make small changes where it counts.
So next time you light a candle or spray a room freshener… pause.
Ask yourself:
“Is this necessary? Can I ventilate the room? Is there a gentler option?”
Because real wellness doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from awareness, balance, and caring for the air you breathe — one breath at a time.
And that kind of peace? It starts right where you are.
Continued on the next page
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