Winter holidays such as Christmas are some of the most celebrated holidays in LA. However, what many people do not know is that they risk worsening the quality of air in their homes in Metairie, Kenner, New Orleans, and Westwego during preparations for these holidays. Knowing some of the typical fall and winter decorations that could deteriorate your air quality is vital if you are a caregiver or are simply getting ready for the holidays:
Pumpkins
Halloween would for sure be an incomplete holiday without seeing those orange pumpkins all over the streets of Kenner and Westwego. Pumpkins are highly perishable because they are fruits. Molds begin to grow on decaying pumpkins and begin to produce spores; spores that are harmful when inhaled because they can cause respiratory problems.
Christmas Trees
Having a Christmas Tree is a good way to spark the holiday spirit. Many families in New Orleans already keep them in their basements or garages for a while for plastic trees. Dust accumulates on these trees over time, and when they are moved around during the holidays, the dust falls off, lowering the quality of air in their homes.
Scented Candles
Everyone knows that a Halloween Jack-o-lantern just isn't complete without those flickering lights behind its carved scary eyes. Paraffin is the kind of wax used to make most candles, even scented ones. When it is burned, it releases traces of harmful pollutants into the air and can therefore worsen your air quality.
Costumes
Winter holidays probably wouldn't be the same without those costumes that kids and teens love so much. Some of these costumes are made of softened plastics, which are softened by phthalates. Such chemicals are harmful to our children and can significantly affect our senior loved ones when poorly managed. It is advisable to avoid purchasing plastic costumes and use less harmful materials such as clothing.
Plastic Decorations
In addition to being made with hazardous chemicals, plastics pose another threat to air quality. Because plastic decorations are only used once a year, they are usually stored in basements or attics. Dust accumulates on these plastics wherever they are stored, and when they are used as decorations, the dust pollutes the air, lowering air quality.
Tips On Handling Fall and Winter Decorations
- Clean your decorations— dust that settles on your winter home decorations can simply be solved if you clean them before use.
- Ensure that your AC remains clear— some small decorations such as ribbons tend to get stuck in AC vents, which could interfere with air circulation. Clearing the AC helps in improving the air quality.
- Purify your air— purchasing air purifiers is a great way of keeping the air fresh in your home over the holidays.
- Put out your candles— candles are fire hazards since many people forget to put them out and let them burn out. To avoid causing a fire, always have a reminder to put them out.
About Senior Helpers Metairie
For individuals seeking quality in-home care in Metairie, Kenner, New Orleans, and Westwego, LA, Senior Helpers of Metairie has got you covered. We aim to provide quality home care and companionship to your elderly loved ones with our team of trained caregivers, who spend quality time with your senior loved ones and help out with some housekeeping. Our senior clients are our priority. Contact us today for the best in-home senior care.