Indoor Air Quality: 6 Common Household Items That May Affect Your Lungs — And How to Use Them Safely

1. Cleaning Sprays and Disinfectants

Cleaning products often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia, bleach, or fragrances. When sprayed into the air, these ingredients can irritate your airways and cause coughing or shortness of breath. Repeated exposure may contribute to chronic respiratory issues.

How to Use Safely

• Choose fragrance-free or low-VOC cleaners.
• Spray onto a cloth rather than into the air.
• Open windows or use exhaust fans while cleaning.
• Never mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar—it can produce toxic gas.

2. Candles and Air Fresheners

While they make your home smell nice, many candles (especially scented or paraffin candles) release soot, ultrafine particles, and VOCs. Plug-in air fresheners and sprays can also emit chemicals that aggravate allergies and asthma.

How to Use Safely

• Opt for beeswax or soy candles with lead-free cotton wicks.
• Limit burning time to 1–2 hours and keep wicks trimmed.
• Avoid synthetic fragrances and choose essential-oil-based options.
• Improve natural ventilation instead of masking odors.

3. Gas Stoves and Ovens

Gas appliances emit nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter—even when they’re not actively being used. These pollutants can irritate your lungs and increase the risk of asthma in children.

How to Use Safely

• Always turn on your range hood while cooking.
• Open windows for additional ventilation.
• Consider using an induction or electric cooktop if upgrading appliances.
• Get a CO detector and check it regularly.

4. Nonstick Cookware

Some older nonstick pans made with PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) can release fumes when overheated. Even newer PFAS-free options can emit small amounts of particulate matter at very high temperatures.

How to Use Safely

• Keep heat at low to medium settings.
• Replace pans that are scratched or peeling.
• Preheat pans gradually—don’t leave empty cookware on a burner.
• Try stainless steel or cast iron for high-heat cooking.

5. Carpets, Furniture, and Mattresses

New carpets and furniture often “off-gas” VOCs like formaldehyde, which can cause throat irritation, coughing, headaches, and long-term respiratory problems. Foam materials and adhesives are common sources.

How to Use Safely

• Air out new items outside or in a well-ventilated room for several days.
• Choose GREENGUARD Gold-certified or low-VOC furniture.
• Vacuum carpets regularly with a HEPA-filter vacuum.
• Use air purifiers to reduce particulate buildup.

6. Humidifiers and Diffusers

Humidifiers help with dry indoor air but can become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria if not cleaned properly. Essential oil diffusers release fine particles that may irritate sensitive lungs.