The holidays are a time for celebration, filled with the warmth of family gatherings, delicious meals, and festive decorations. However, amidst the joy, some seemingly harmless traditions can have unintended consequences for our indoor air quality.

1. Culinary Combustion: The Peril of Holiday Feasts

Holiday dinners often involve hours spent in the kitchen, with ovens cranking and stoves blazing, filling the air with a medley of aromas. While tempting, this culinary combustion releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cooking oils, burning meat, and even vegetables. VOCs can irritate eyes and lungs, exacerbate respiratory issues, and contribute to poor air quality. Keep ventilation on!

2. Fragrant Fumes: The Unseen Threat of Candles and Incense

Candles and incense are staples of holiday decor, adding warmth and ambience to our homes. Unfortunately, their burning releases pollutants like particulate matter and volatile organic compounds, impacting air quality. For those with asthma or allergies, these irritants can trigger unpleasant reactions. Say no to candles and incense burning!

3. Perfumed Presents: The Hidden Cost of Fragrance

Fragrant gifts are popular holiday choices, but the perfumes and colognes they contain can be problematic. These volatile fragrances release harmful chemicals into the air, triggering allergic reactions in some individuals and contributing to overall air pollution. Opt for a book this year!

4. Festive Decorations: The Unforeseen Impacts of Artificial Flair

Artificial decorations, such as plastic trees and ornaments, can also be culprits in holiday air pollution. These materials often contain harmful chemicals like phthalates and formaldehyde, which can off-gas into the air over time. Additionally, flocked trees can release microscopic fibers that irritate the lungs and eyes. Check what you buy before you buy!

5. Closed Windows: Sealing in the Hazards

With the winter chill setting in, windows are often closed to maintain warmth, inadvertently trapping pollutants and creating a stagnant indoor environment. This lack of ventilation further exacerbates the effects of holiday-related air pollution, leading to a decline in indoor air quality. Increase the ventilation rates or open the windows often especially if you have many guests.

Holiday Hacks: Celebrating Safely with Clean Air

Fortunately, there are simple steps we can take to enjoy the holidays without compromising our indoor air quality:

• Cook smarter: Opt for healthier cooking methods like baking, or steaming, using less oil. Open windows when possible to allow for ventilation and/or exhaust vents in the kitchen.
• Choose safer alternatives: Replace traditional candles with LED candles, and explore electric alternatives that emit heat and light without combustion.
• Unwrap fragrance-free gifts: Opt for presents with minimal or no added fragrance, or choose alternatives like books.
• Embrace natural decorations: Decorate with fresh greenery, dried fruits, and natural materials to add a festive touch without harmful chemicals.
• Ventilate regularly: Open windows frequently, even for short periods, to allow fresh air to circulate and remove pollutants.
• Measure IAQ: Indoor air quality monitors are great little devices that can guide you on when you need to ventilate.
• Invest in air purifiers: Consider using HEPA air purifiers to filter out harmful particles and improve air quality.

By making conscious choices and implementing simple changes, we can celebrate the holidays safely while ensuring a healthy and comfortable environment for everyone. Remember, a little awareness can go a long way in ensuring that our holiday cheer isn’t accompanied by hazy air.