Did you know that indoor pollution is just as harmful as outdoor pollution? Do you ever take a look at the labels on cleaning products at the supermarket? Why do people say that houseplants are excellent air purifiers? We promise we’ll do everything we can to debunk common myths and share our tips for breathing (well!) at home… without scaring you!
Outdoor pollution is worse than indoor pollution: FALSE
Contrary to popular belief, our homes are up to eight times more polluted than the streets we walk on every day. Fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) are obviously the main culprits outdoors, but don’t underestimate tobacco smoke and scented candles, fumes from cleaning products, heating systems, cooking and DIY fumes, pets, and the materials used to make your furniture.In April 2021, a new study updated by the Ministry of Health estimated that an adult who spends most of their time indoors (home, transportation, offices, stores, etc.) inhales between 10,000 and 20,000 liters of air containing pollutants that can have a negative effect on health and cause, in the short or long term, eye and/or respiratory tract irritation, headaches, asthma attacks, etc. In the Eurozone alone, indoor pollution is believed to cause 117,200 deaths per year.Read the full study here
Wooden furniture can contribute to indoor air pollution: TRUE
In our homes, we don’t imagine that our baby’s cute crib or the large bookcase that takes pride of place in the living room could be releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs). These pollutants are present in the air and dust, but also in wooden furniture. The latter have often been cited bythe National Health Security Agency because they are mostly manufactured using engineered wood panels and solvent-based adhesives. The end result is a small, unsuspected VOC “bomb.” And that’s not even counting the presence of other harmful pollutants in paints and varnishes, as well as in certain textile materials used in sofas. Fortunately, there are several solutions available to you.Find all the studies on VOCs and SVOCs conducted by the National Agency for Health Safety here
People only choose furniture made in France to preserve the atmosphere of their home: FALSE
Currently, there is no legislation in France to protect consumers from products with high VOC levels. To reduce indoor pollution, we’re increasingly turning to products designed to improve air quality. Today, more and more brands are crafting their products using natural materials and healthy finishes that are free of VOCs and SVOCs. Kipli is one such example. For each of its products, the brand is committed to offering pollution-free furniture built to last. As a result, Kipli has earned the independent Eco-Institut label, which guarantees the absence of substances and emissions harmful to health. Its solid wood furniture is PEFC-certified and finished with a solvent-free, water-based varnish. Currently, there are several certifications to guide consumers—so don’t hesitate to check the labels! Of course, whenever possible , choosing locally made products will have a more positive environmental and social impact on your purchase.
Cleaning products sold in supermarkets are very dangerous: TRUE
The chemical formulas in cleaning products and plastic packaging are major sources of pollution. To improve indoor air quality, we rely on natural, clean, and inexpensive products. We scrub our bathrooms with white vinegar, clean windows with baking soda diluted in water, steam-clean our floors with two drops of organic lemon essential oil, wash our laundry with black soap and a little white vinegar, and so on. The web is full of easy, tried-and-true recipes. And if you prefer to use ready-made products, look for those bearing a certified logo: the European Ecolabel, the Nordic Ecolabel, and the Blue Angel. You can also trust the term “controlled indoor air,” which indicates that the release of pollutants into the air is limited when using that product.
Exposure to indoor pollution affects only the elderly and children: FALSE
Indoor air pollution affects everyone. Infants, children, teenagers, adults, pregnant women, and the elderly—whether you’re healthy or not, VOCs are everywhere and can affect your health. The World Health Organization has just released an updated study with specific figures showing that indoor air pollution causes acute respiratory infections and accounts for 28% of all pneumonia-related deaths among adults. Each year, indoor air pollution is estimated to cause the premature death of an average of 20,000 people in France. Fortunately, there are countless easy ways to reduce pollution in your home. For example, make sure to thoroughly ventilate every room daily and understand the small logos on cleaning products. Better yet: jump on the vintage trend by buying furniture that’s been through a lot and has had time to say “goodbye” to those nasty VOCs!If you’d like to read the full WHO study, it’s available here.
All you have to do is read the label carefully to find out the VOC emissions: TRUE
The solution is often right in front of us. The labels on cleaning products all feature a box labeled “indoor air emissions.” The pictogram clearly indicates the level of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. So, we trust products labeled “A+” and “A,” and we quickly put back on the shelf those marked “B” or, worse, “C.” For now, this only applies to cleaning products, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed for a similar labeling system for furniture.
Air out your house is completely pointless: FALSE
Ventilating your home is strongly recommended—especially by doctors—to prevent the growth of mold or fungi, reduce humidity levels and the buildup of allergens and chemicals, and allow for fresh air circulation throughout the home. Open the windows wide for at least ten minutes, summer and winter alike, preferably before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m. to take advantage of less polluted outdoor air. And be sure to ventilate thoroughly whenever you engage in activities that can be sources of pollution, such as cooking, doing home improvement projects, or vacuuming.
A future decree will require labeling on furniture: TRUE
As we now know, furniture accounts for 20% of indoor pollution. To address this issue, a decree introduced in 2017 is still under review. It concerns the environmental labeling of new furniture entering the French market. The draft regulations are based on a 2015 report by the French National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety and would cover a dozen pollutants of concern, including VOCs and SVOCs. We can’t wait for the decree to be published and implemented!
Houseplants are good at purifying the air in our homes: FALSE
It’s a common belief: houseplants are perfect for purifying indoor air. A 1989 NASA study had even examined the issue at length, suggesting—without actually proving it—that houseplants were very effective at purifying indoor air. But here’s the bombshell: in September 2011, ADEME (the French Agency for Ecological Transition) looked into the matter and scientifically proved that indoor plants (such as the dragon tree, pothos, and spider plant) do not purify indoor air and do not make a significant contribution to reducing observed pollutant levels. But wait! Don’t let this stop you from continuing to water your beautiful Zamioculcas or your little Sansevieria that brighten up your cozy home! And above all, don’t panic: just follow a few of the tips mentioned above and… take a deep breath!> The full results of the study published in 2011 by ADEME are available here.