As the temperatures cool and the leaves begin to change color in Inland Empire, it's natural to want to cozy up your home with some seasonal decorations. But did you know that some common fall and winter decorations can actually worsen indoor air quality?
For seniors in Chino, Corona, Chino Hills, San Bernardino County, and surrounding areas, poor air quality can lead to many respiratory problems, including asthma attacks, bronchitis, and even pneumonia. That's why it's important to be aware of the potential hazards and take steps to avoid them.
In this blog post, we'll look at 4 such decorations and offer some tips on mitigating their effects.
Poor Quality Candles
How many times do you buy candles without looking at the label? If you're like most people, probably quite often. Many candles are made with paraffin wax which can release harmful chemicals like toluene and benzene into the air when burned.
When shopping for candles in Corona, be keen on the label and only purchase those made with natural materials like beeswax, soy wax, or coconut wax. These candles burn cleaner and often come with essential oils that can improve your home's scent.
Dusty Christmas Decorations
A whole year's worth of dust can accumulate on your holiday decorations in Chino, so it's essential to give them a good cleaning before putting them up. Otherwise, you risk releasing all that dust into the air when you start handling them.
To clean your decorations:
- Start by taking everything out of storage and giving them a good shake outside.
- Wipe them down with a damp cloth.
- If they have accumulated a lot of dust, you might need professional cleaning.
Poorly Ventilated Fireplaces
During winter in Chino and San Bernardino, perhaps you love nothing more than relaxing in front of a warm fire. But if your fireplace isn't properly ventilated, it can release harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide into the room.
To make sure your fireplace is safe to use:
- Only burn clean, dry wood.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
- Make sure the flue is open before lighting a fire.
- Don't overload the fireplace.
Have your fireplace inspected and cleaned regularly by a professional to avoid a build-up of carbon monoxide can be particularly dangerous.
Holiday Lights
Holiday lights are another common decoration that can cause problems for indoor air quality—particularly if they're old or poorly maintained. When these lights get old, their insulation breaks down, becoming less efficient (which means they use more electricity). This process also releases pollutants like carbon monoxide into the air. Similarly, if holiday lights aren't properly maintained, they can overheat and start a fire.
The best way to avoid these problems is to only use newer, well-maintained holiday lights. And, of course, follow the manufacturer's instructions for their care and use.
Don’t Sacrifice Air Quality for Home Decorations
Holidays should be fun. By being mindful of the decorations you choose and taking some simple precautions, you can enjoy all the joys of the season without sacrificing your health or comfort! You can adequately preserve indoor air quality for you and the elderly in your home.
If your senior loved one needs any help with any task, do not hesitate to reach out to Senior Helpers of Inland Empire. We serve the Chino, Corona, Chino Hills, and San Bernardino County areas and would be happy to help! Contact us today at (909) 256-2873.