Experts Urge Caution on Indoor Air Quality During Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, experts are advising individuals to be mindful of indoor air quality. Activities such as burning candles, using fireplaces, and cooking can release pollutants that may negatively impact respiratory health. These pollutants include fine particles and chemicals like nitrogen dioxide, which is a significant component of smog.

The festive aromas of gingerbread, pine, and mulled wine are central to holiday celebrations. Many people enjoy lighting candles and incense to create an inviting atmosphere. While these scents can enhance the ambiance, experts caution that they can also contribute to poor indoor air quality. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, burning any type of flame releases chemicals that can lead to allergy-like symptoms or long-term respiratory issues when inhaled in sufficient quantities.

Dr. Meredith McCormack, director of the pulmonary and critical care medicine division at Johns Hopkins University, emphasizes the importance of moderation. “Clean air is fragrance-free,” she states, highlighting the need for precautions to manage indoor pollutants. She suggests that those who cherish seasonal scents should consider enjoying them in moderation.

People in the Northern Hemisphere often spend more time indoors during the colder months, particularly around the holidays. The American Lung Association notes that indoor air can be significantly more polluted than outdoor air due to the trapping of pollutants without adequate ventilation. Activities like using gas-powered appliances and lighting fireplaces can release harmful particles that enter the lungs.

The risk posed by indoor fragrances and pollutants varies depending on their source and the duration and intensity of exposure. Notably, some pollutants are odorless, meaning that even unscented products can negatively affect indoor air quality. Vulnerable populations, such as children, older adults, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk from poor air quality. Dr. McCormack notes that children are especially susceptible because their smaller lung size means they receive a higher dose of pollutants relative to their body size.

Signs of respiratory irritation can include coughing, shortness of breath, headaches, and a runny nose. Experts recommend ceasing the use of pollutant-releasing products and ventilating rooms if symptoms occur. “The more risk factors you have, the more harmful air pollution or poor air quality indoors can be,” Dr. McCormack adds.

In New Jersey, Ellen Wilkowe enjoys lighting scented candles, like vanilla and cinnamon, during her yoga sessions or while showering. Her teenage daughter prefers seasonal scents such as gingerbread. “The candle has a calming presence,” Wilkowe shares, noting that candles play a symbolic role in rituals across various cultures. She opts for soy-based wax candles instead of petroleum-based paraffin, although experts warn that all lit candles emit air pollutants regardless of their composition.

To improve indoor air quality, Dr. McCormack recommends purchasing products with fewer ingredients, opening windows when possible, and using air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters. She also advises turning on kitchen exhaust fans when using gas-powered stovetops and setting boundaries with guests who smoke tobacco products. “Small improvements in air quality can have measurable health benefits,” she states, likening it to the health benefits of regular exercise and better nutrition.

Rachael Lewis-Abbott, a member of the Indoor Air Quality Association, highlights that many individuals remain unaware of what they are breathing until serious issues, such as gas leaks or mold, arise. As the holiday season brings families together, it is crucial to take proactive measures for maintaining a healthy indoor environment.