Indoor Air Pollution and Solutions For Artists And Crafters

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Lets face it, craft supplies and art supplies can be filled with toxins, and now is a great time to start thinking about your health and how to avoid filling your home’s air with unwanted pollutants as a result of your beloved hobby, yikes! Even those who don’t have art supplies hanging around are also at risk of indoor air pollution from a variety of sources. Indoor air pollution is not discussed as often as environmental pollution, however, it is just as dangerous and potentially even more harmful than the smog infested air that the average city dweller breathes in when they leave their homes. It is important to recognize the causes of indoor air pollution and understand the possible solutions.

Of course, one needs to be aware of what kinds of art supplies have toxic fumes, and please never use spray paint or any aerosol product indoors. Permanent markers and many glues also have toxic fumes, so make sure your work space has plenty of ventilation. Enhancing the quality of your air provides many health benefits, helps avoid illness, and in some instances will even help you save money. Join me as we learn more about what is considered to be indoor air pollution as well as the steps that can be taken to curb its negative effects. Here’s to a healthy 2019, lets start by thinking about out air quality.

Above: Good old drawing and sketching is a great creative activity with minimal toxic load: a peek in my sketchbook and my sketch portraying the Moroccan style nook in our living room.

What is Indoor Air Pollution?

There are many invisible airborne particles floating in the air of the average home. It is imperative that you learn what they are as well as how they can affect your health and well being. Below, you will find a list of the various forms of indoor air pollution.

• Volatile Organic Chemicals: These chemicals are in the form of gases. They can cause short and long term negative effects on your health.
• Biological Pollutants: This category consists of pollutants like bacteria, mold, mildew, pet dander, viruses and pollen.
• Dangerous Chemicals: Chemicals like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde and radon are in this category.
• Indoor Particulate Matter: Dangerous particles that are a result of combustion from a fireplace, chimney or tobacco.

Unfortunately, you will not be able to detect indoor air pollution with your naked eye. If you would like to check the quality of your air, there are air pollution monitors available for purchase or you can contact a professional to inspect the air quality within your home. 

Common Causes of Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor air pollution can come from a variety of sources. Volatile organic chemicals can come from ordinary household products like hairspray, cleaning products, air fresheners and pest repellants. Biological pollutants can be brought into your home by pets, other people, yourself, moist environments, insects and rodents. Other dangerous chemicals like carbon monoxide can be released into your air via gas leaks. This can be serious and if you suspect carbon monoxide in your air, get out of your house as soon as possible and contact your fire department.

How to Enhance Your Air Quality

The first line of defense in maintaining a healthy indoor air quality is your filter. Checking the filter MERV ratings is a great way to ensure that you have a filter that will filter out the most dangerous particles. It is recommended that you do not invest in a filter that is below a MERV rating of eight. In addition, be cautious of the household products that you use in your home. Some will have labels that notate a low concentration of volatile organic chemicals (VOC). Lastly, ensure that you schedule yearly maintenance for your HVAC system. This will ensure that your system is not harboring harmful particles.

Now that you have some basic information and this post has raised your awareness, do your own research and make healthy choices when it comes to art and DIY supplies. A great looking renovation or craft project isn’t worth any health risk, so lets be smart!