These 3 everyday items are secretly polluting your home's air – I'm a toxicologist and you can protect your family with simple swaps

We often think of our homes as safe havens, a place to unwind, relax, and reset. However, there are several secretly toxic things that could be polluting your home's air.

From cleaning products to invisible gasses, three things commonly found in the home could be affecting your well-being.

I am toxicologist and expert in poison control, and here, I'll explore the most common toxic substances lurking in your home, provide practical tips to make a home less toxic, minimize your exposure, and create a healthier, safer, environment for you and your family.

Secret things polluting your home's air

Amberly Johnson, PHARMD, DABAT

Amberly R. Johnson, PharmD, DABAT, is the Director of the Utah Poison Control Center (UPCC) and an Assistant Professor (Clinical) in the Department of Pharmacotherapy at the University of Utah College of Pharmacy. She is a board-certified clinical toxicologist and the fellowship director for the UPCC Fellowship in Clinical and Applied Toxicology.

1. Fuel-burning appliances

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can be present in our homes. It is produced when gasoline, natural gas, propane, kerosene, and other fuels are not completely burned during use. Common sources of carbon monoxide include water heaters, natural gas ovens, lanterns, natural gas grills, fireplaces, generators, cars, and boats.

Unlike natural gas, you will not notice any smells that could be a sign of danger in your home with carbon monoxide, making it vital to install carbon monoxide alarms to detect leaks.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur anywhere gas or other fuel is burned in an enclosed space or even if it is burned outside near windows and vents. Carbon monoxide poisoning is most common in the winter months because we typically use furnaces, gas ovens, fireplaces, and other fuel-burning appliances or equipment more often with the windows closed.

However, carbon monoxide poisoning can happen at any time of the year, especially when there is a natural disaster or disruption to normal power or heat sources. Generators used indoors, in the garage, or near open windows or vents create CO build-up inside the structure. Heating an enclosed space with a gas-burning appliance such as a natural gas oven can cause CO poisoning.

Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath. These symptoms are similar to other illnesses so it can be easy to ignore or mistake them for something else. High levels of carbon monoxide exposure can cause vomiting, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Severe carbon monoxide poisoning can cause severe illness, brain damage, or even death.

Preventing poison exposure in our homes is crucial. Install an Underwriters Laboratory-approved carbon monoxide monitor on each level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. Remember to replace the batteries in these monitors twice a year.

To protect against carbon monoxide poisoning, I recommend:

• Have your heating systems, water heaters, and other fuel-burning appliances including HVAC systems serviced by a licensed professional each year.
• Clean your fireplace chimney and flue every year to clear any obstructions.
• Do not run vehicles in enclosed spaces or be next to exhaust outlets on vehicles or boats.
• Have a professional hook a generator up to your house, and never use a generator inside your house, trailer, garage, or tent. Keep generators and other fuel-burning equipment at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents while in use.
• Do not use your gas oven to heat your home.

If your carbon monoxide detector alarms continuously, leave your home immediately and get to fresh air.

If you or others feel dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated, get medical help immediately. Call 911 if someone is unconscious or has trouble breathing.

2. Soil, rock, and water

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Radon gas moves from the ground into the air above and into our homes through crawl spaces, foundation cracks, floors, and walls where it can build up. It is easily one of the most toxic basement items to deal with now.

There are no immediate symptoms from radon exposure. However, over time, radon gas can damage the lungs and is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the number one leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers in America.

Preventing poison exposure in our homes is key. Begin by testing your home for radon. You can purchase radon test kits by calling the National Radon Hotline at 1-800-SOS-RADON, or you can find these kits at most home improvement stores. Additionally, your state radon program may offer free or discounted test kits and can provide information about certified service providers if your home's radon levels are high and require mitigation or repair.

3. Household chemicals

Our homes contain a variety of chemicals. Organic chemicals in solvents and fuels release gasses called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when they are used.

Common sources include paints, varnishes, and wax, as well as some cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products, like glues and adhesives. Levels of VOCs are usually higher in homes than outdoors, especially when a product that releases VOCs is in use.

People may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, and eye, nose, and throat irritation after exposure to VOCs. Long-term effects vary depending on the chemical. Benzene is a known human carcinogen, and other solvents, methylene chloride, and perchloroethylene have been shown to cause cancer in animals.

Other household chemicals can produce toxic gases when mixed. When combined with ammonia, acids, or other cleaners, products containing bleach can produce chlorine and chloramine gases. Common symptoms include throat, nose, and eye irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath. Severe exposure can cause chest pain, wheezing, pneumonia, and fluid in the lungs.

There are ways to reduce your exposure to these chemicals, especially as you do not need harsh chemicals to clean:

• Only use household chemicals according to the manufacturer’s directions.
• Use these products outdoors or increase ventilation when using these products by opening windows or using an exhaust fan.
• Store these products in their original and labeled containers, and out of sight and reach of children.
• Never mix household chemicals unless directed on the label.
• Safely throw away partially full containers of old or unneeded chemicals.
• Keep exposures to methylene chloride, benzene, and perchloroethylene to a minimum.
• Switch to natural cleaning products where possible, avoiding dangerous cleaning product ingredients.

FAQs

Does opening windows improve air quality?

In many cases, opening windows can improve air quality so long as the air outside is not contaminated, such as in the event of fires. Increasing ventilating in your home can help pollutants escape, allowing fresher air to take its place.

That being said, it is vital to treat the source of the indoor air pollution to prevent it from coming back or getting worse, and vacate the property should safety alarms sound.

How can you purify air indoors without an air purifier?

If you do not have an air purifier, you can often improve your indoor air quality by increasing ventilation through air filtration HVAC systems, opening windows, and in some instances, using houseplants to maintain clean air indoors.

It is not only your air you should be worried about when trying to create a less toxic home. There are several household items to stop buying for a less toxic home, too.