Stay home & Stay (really) safe

• The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many people's life. To protect yourself and others against the spread of this disease, there are some precautions you probably have already taken —such as washing your hands, staying at home as much as possible and cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces regularly—. We know how much you care about your health and the health of your loved ones, but are you fully aware of the consequences of these changes in your daily routine? Excessive cleaning might harm your health too!

• It's been almost 2 years since the COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. We have overcome many obstacles; some things are back to normal, but many others are here to stay, such as the new cleaning and disinfection practices: 85% of the U.S. citizens say they will keep them after the pandemic.

  What you may not know is that this measure you take to prevent the virus could be a double-edged sword.

  Indoor Air Quality in the time of coronavirus

  There is increasing scientific evidence indicating that the air in our homes is much more polluted than the air outside.

  There are many substances emitted by day-to-day activities and products that could have serious impacts on our health. Some chemical substances, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headache, nausea, fatigue, nervous system damage, even cancer, etc. Children, the elderly and people suffering from cardiovascular or respiratory diseases are particularly vulnerable to poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

  And what are the possible sources of indoor air emissions? There are probably more than you think: some furniture, candles, air fresheners, paints, mattresses, fabrics, cosmetic products, floor coverings, building and insulation materials… and, of course, personal hygiene and household products.

  Cleaning & disinfecting emissions

  The coronavirus pandemic has led to an increase in demand for these products, as well as to an increase in the time we spend indoors. This means that we are currently more exposed than ever to indoor emissions!

  According to a report, the levels of CO2 and VOCs in the United States’ and some European countries’ homes have increased by up to 30% since the first lockdown. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notified an increase of over 20% in the exposure calls related to cleaners and disinfectants during this COVID pandemic.

  Plus, since the virus attacks the respiratory system, constantly weakening it with harmful chemical emissions could exacerbate the COVID-19 impact if contracted.

  How can you fight indoor air pollution?

  Airing out the house several times a day, installing a good ventilation system and keeping home humidity at 30-50% are some examples to reduce air pollutants. But the key is to tackle the potential sources of pollution.

  The "Air Label Score" certification shows clearly which products have the least emissions. Every product tested is assigned a score from A+ (very low emissions) to C (high emissions). This way you can easily choose low-emission products that respect all international standards and preserve the air you breathe.

  Check here to find the list of certified products.

• Sources : World Health Organization: COVID-19 advice for the public, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: IAQ, Gouvernement du Canada: Sécurité des produits chimiques ménagers, American Cleaning Institute (ACI), CDC - National Poison Data System, Enquête de l’institut Européen Onepoll (2020), Airthings report (2021).