When it comes to pollution, we mainly think of outdoor pollution—everything that affects the external environment: cities, seas, oceans, agriculture, and so on. However, there is another type of pollution that is discussed much less frequently: indoor pollution.
What is indoor pollution?
Indoor pollution affects our homes and any other enclosed spaces (schools, offices, public transportation, etc.). Whether we live in the city or the countryside, in a house or an apartment, it affects us all. More and more studies are highlighting the impact of indoor air quality on our health. There are, in fact, links between chronic conditions and what we breathe every day inside our homes.
Among the factors contributing to the deterioration of air quality, building materials and furnishings are at the top of the list. For example, flooring, wall coverings, carpets, the type of wood chosen for furniture, and all the adhesives used. Then there are all the cleaning and maintenance products with highly aggressive formulations.
The difference between these two sources of indoor pollution is that the first is more harmful. Everything related to building materials, furniture, and the treatments they’ve undergone constitutes a continuous source of pollution within the home—one that we can’t do anything about as long as it’s present. Cleaning products, on the other hand, can be quickly replaced with more natural and healthier alternatives. These solutions are relatively simple to implement (white vinegar, lemon, black soap, etc.) and can be found in abundance online.
Which pollutants pose a risk?
The most hazardous types of pollutants are those found in furniture and mattresses, such as formaldehyde. It belongs to the VOC family, or volatile organic compounds. There are also pesticides (which are found not only in food but also in bedding, for example).
Formaldehyde is a chemical used to manufacture building materials and many household products. It is found in synthetic mattresses. This potentially irritating compound can lead to cancer or other respiratory disorders in the event of prolonged exposure. It should be noted that VOC concentrations are characteristic of indoor air pollution. They are up to 10 times higher indoors than outdoors. As for pesticides, they are found in our homes in greater quantities than we realize.
In fact, most mattresses on the market undergo anti-dust mite or antibacterial treatments. While these treatments are certainly effective, they are not without risks to our health. Not to mention that mattresses can also emit VOCs, as they often contain solvents or chemical adhesives. Flame retardants are chemicals applied to many types of furniture and fabrics, and may also be used in mattress production. They help reduce the risk of fire in highly flammable materials, such as polyurethane. Some are considered endocrine disruptors or carcinogens.
The EPA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, states that flame retardants can persist for a long time in an enclosed environment and may pose a health risk.
A natural bedroom for less indoor pollution
Although indoor pollution is often higher than outdoor pollution, there are ways to improve air quality. As with the food industry, these labels and certifications can help you assess the quality of the products you buy.
With the goal of creating a more natural sleeping environment, Kipli offers high-quality products and ensures, to the greatest extent possible, that they are free of toxic components. The natural latex used in our mattresses is antibacterial and dust-mite resistant, and has not undergone any treatment. Tests conducted in our factories verify that there are no pesticide residues in the natural latex used to manufacture our mattresses. None of Kipli’s products contain flame retardants. Furthermore, we use only water-based adhesives certified to be free of VOCs. The absence of formaldehyde in our mattresses is certified by the Eco-Institut label .
Our goal is to produce a a complete line of natural home furnishings that do not contain substances that could contribute to indoor pollution and that, at the same time, reduce the impact on the outdoor environment.We hope you enjoyed this article. Of course,
The Kipli Team