VOCs and other chemicals released when using cleaning supplies contribute to chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions and headaches. Studies are underway to assess how these chemicals affect people who have asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
Cleaning and disinfection chemicals may lead to respiratory effects ranging from acute temporary upper airway irritation to obstructive lung disease, including asthma and asthma like disease.
Natural, Lung-Safe Household Products for Cleaning
White vinegar. Hydrogen peroxide. Baking soda.
Cleaning solutions are made of chemical components that can cause temporary or permanent damage when inhaled. By covering your nose and mouth with a face mask while cleaning, you reduce the impact of these chemicals on your body.
Ventilation: This is the most critical factor. In a well-ventilated area, bleach fumes dissipate faster, sometimes within just a few hours. In contrast, the smell can linger for days in a closed-off room with no airflow.
Fifteen minutes to half an hour is what you should aim for. The air in your home has pollutants at any given time, so that should be enough time to get rid of them. It's important to give your home a chance to let good, clean air in.
True respirator masks such as N95 respirators are designed to protect the wearer from airborne particles and from liquid contaminating the face. They filter at least 95 percent of airborne particles such as dust, mists and fumes.
If you suffer from dust allergies, use a dust mask when vacuuming or have someone else do the cleaning.
What are N95 Respirators? These respirators are ideal for industries in cleaning, maintenance, construction and medical professionals. These masks are NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) approved and provide 95% filtration efficiency and provide reliable breathing protection.
Fragrances are chemicals and enter the body in many ways. They are absorbed through the skin; inhaled into the lungs; and can be swallowed, especially by children. Fragrances in air fresheners and cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants can cause health effects.
H319 Causes serious eye irritation. Precautionary statements : Prevention: P261 Avoid breathing dust/ fume/ gas/ mist/ vapours/ spray.
Moderately irritating to the eyes. May cause irritation. Not a skin sensitizer based on test data. Excessive intentional inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation and central nervous system effects (headache, dizziness).
Formaldehyde may cause a burning sensation in your eyes, nose or throat, watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, skin irritation or nausea. There are also products and cleaning supplies that may complicate pre-existing health conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
A vacuum cleaner is an electric appliance that consumes electricity. As with any electric device, experts recommend keeping your vacuum cleaner far away from flammable or combustible materials while using the machine. Do not vacuum particles or materials that may cause a fire when they contact with electricity.
Wash your bedding, uncovered pillows and stuffed toys in water 130 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter each week. Dry them in a hot dryer cycle to kill dust mites. Vacuum once or twice a week. Vacuuming helps keep allergens low.
Gas masks are also known as “air-purifying respirators” because they filter or clean chemical gases and possibly particles out of the air as you breathe. This respirator includes a facepiece or mask, and a filter/cartridge (if the filter is in a metal shell it is called a “canister”).
In general, you should look for FFP3, these masks are designed to filter at least 99% of airborne particles, including those smaller than 0.3 microns in size. It's also important to make sure your mask fits snugly around your nose and mouth so that no air can enter or escape through any gaps.
N95 respirators are designed to protect against particulate matter such as dust, fumes, mists, aerosols, and smoke particulates. It is also effective against biological particles such as pollen, mold spores, bacteria, viruses, animal dander and allergens.
The fumes can be quite overpowering and may disturb your sleep if you apply it before going to bed.
Larger dust particles may settle more quickly, while smaller and lighter particles may linger in the air for hours or even days. Factors Affecting Dust Suspension: Several factors influence the duration of dust suspension in the air, including indoor airflow, ventilation, humidity levels, and air circulation patterns.