Cleaning your home can also make you sick
Are you going stir crazy waiting for warmer weather? As long as you’re stuck inside, you might as well use the time constructively and get your home in order. Just be aware that all your cleaning and polishing has a potential downside: Harming the quality of the air, both inside and outside your abode.
That’s because many home cleaning products, from wood polish to air fresheners, can produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—gasses emitted from various chemicals—and particulate matter, which are small, potentially unhealthy particles that can be carried by the air and inhaled.
Recent research has found that volatile chemicals in cleaning agents, among other products, contribute one-half of emitted VOCs in 33 industrialized cities. According to other studies, among household products, general purpose and floor care cleaners are some of the major sources of VOCs.
Air fresheners and cleaning sprays
Some VOCs react with ozone to create both formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, and unhealthy ultrafine particles. For example, scented products, like air fresheners, can act as a concentrated source of indoor air pollution. Pine and lemon-scented products contain terpene, which, when in contact with smog, can produce harmful chemicals.
Similarly, studies have shown a significant association between the weekly use of at least two types of sprays and a high asthma symptom score. And, especially in certain older women, long-term frequent use of cleaning and air freshening sprays and scented products has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular health problems.
Do not mix cleaning products
Certain products, when combined, can form potentially toxic gasses. For example, mixing common household cleaners, like ammonia and bleach, can create an unhealthy level of ozone in your home. Also, be careful of products that are made with complex formulations, such as those that mix cleaning and disinfecting capabilities, like some kitchen or bathroom cleaners.
Watch out for residue
Residue from cleaning products can continue to react with any ozone present in the air, as well as adding to particles you may breathe. For that reason, use only the amount of cleaning product that is necessary, and rinse surfaces with water when you’re done with your chores.
One alternative approach is to avoid off-the-shelf cleaning products and make your own, using basic ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar and baking soda. In addition, a smart air purifier with a HEPA filter, like Airmega, can help eliminate harmful VOCs and particulate matter from the air—and enable your home to be both healthy and sparkling clean.
Disclaimers
1Coway air purifiers have been proven to trap dust, pollen, dander, viruses and bacteria in the air based on KCL (Korea Conformity Laboratories) testing.They have been tested in a 30㎥ size chamber according to the Korea Air Cleaning Association standard (SPS-KACA 002-132:2022 Modified) to measure the 0.01㎛ size of particle removal rate. It was tested on maximum airflow speed in normal room temperature and humidity conditions. The performance may vary in the actual living environment of customers.
→ Tested with Airmega Aim, 100, 150, 160, AP-1216L, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 200M, Icon, IconS, 230, 240, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S, ProX
299.97% of viruses, bacteria, fungi and pollen were verified to be removed from the air for Coway air purifiers which have Green True HEPA™ filter applied based on the Japan Food Research Laboratories(JFRL) testing according to JEM 1467 standard.
→ Tested with Coway Airmega AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S
→ All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.
All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.
- Virus: Tested with Escherichia coli phage ΦX174 NBRC 103405, 60 minutes
- Bacteria: Tested with Staphylococcus epidermidis NBRC 12993, 60 minutes
- Fungi/Mold: Tested with Penicillium citrinum NBRC 6352, 60 minutes
- Pollen: Tested with Cedar Pollen extract, 60 minutes
3Aerosol test conducted in a Biosafety level 3 laboratory with two Coway air purifier models, Coway Airmega 250 and 400 for removal of SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol by US based MRI Global, a not-for-profit laboratory and partner of US Department of Defense. The test was conducted in a 13.1ft3 chamber. Virus was aerosolized for 15 minutes and the product was turned on high for 2 minutes. Result showed each product effectively removed over 99.98% of the SARS-CoV-2 in 2 minutes. This is a result from a laboratory experiment condition and result may vary in different conditions. This result does not imply it kills SARS-CoV-2 or prevents the transmission of Covid-19. Coway Airmega 250S and 400S are identical to the tested models and has equal performance with an additional mobile connectivity function.
4The concentration of ammonia, acetaldehyde and acetic acid were proven to be removed within 30 minutes by FCG Research Institute, Inc. Human Life Science Lab. It is not a demonstration result in the actual use space. Not all odors and gases may be supported. → Tested with Coway Airmega 150, 160, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 400, 400S
5The coverage area of the air purifier is based on an area where the air cleaner can make two air changes per hour (ACPH). An air change per hour translates to how many times an air purifier can clean an area, assuming the height of a ceiling to be 8 ft, in one hour. Therefore ** means two air changes per hour means that the cleaner can clean the area once every 30 minutes and * means air changes per hour means that the air purifier can clean the area once every 60 minutes.
10Terms and conditions apply. Discounts, including promotions, coupons, bundle discount and subscription discount, cannot be stacked on top of other coupons. During promotional periods, discount codes will not be able to be applied to orders. Promo codes may apply to products only—filters, accessories, and new products within 3 months of the release date are not included.
