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Bad smells in your home ?

Identifying odours and their risks

An odour results from the presence of volatile compounds in the air we breathe and can be perceived as pleasant or nauseating... The source of odorous molecules can be natural or chemical, such as organic matter (mould, stagnant water) or chemicals (e.g. pesticides). (mould, stagnant water) or chemical (hydrocarbons, gasoline, synthetic perfumes).

Harmful organic sources: moulds

A recent study by the Observatoire de la Qualité de l'Air Intérieur (OQAI) found that 37% of homes have mould. Moulds are microscopic fungi that often develop when the humidity level is too high. They They emit spores in large quantities, which are the reproductive cells of the fungi. Mould can be distinguished from a stain by its texture (woolly, powdery) and colour (blackish or greenish).

Warping can be a sign of water infiltration on the walls indicating the presence of mould hidden behind these materials. European standards indicate that the humidity level should be between 30 and 70%. To maintain this level To maintain this level, do not overheat or use a humidifier if the air is too humid. If the spores are inhaled by sensitive people, they can cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract or even The ANSES (French National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety) declared in 2016 that children with long-term exposure to moulds had an increased risk of asthma. an increased risk of asthma.

Chemical sources

Household products, air fresheners, furniture, scented candles and incense contribute to the pollution of our indoor air by emitting many VOCs (volatile organic compounds). VOCs are organic compounds that can easily be found in gaseous form in the earth's atmosphere. gaseous form in the earth's atmosphere. The best known are acetaldehyde, benzene and formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is found in many DIY products, cleaning products, floors, furniture, plastics, but also in tobacco smoke. These VOCs have harmful effects on health because they can cause irritation of the eyes, mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, heart problems and certain cancers.

How to get rid of bad smells?

Renew your indoor air

Since a decree of 20 October 1969, the general and permanent ventilation of dwellings has become mandatory in France. A poorly ventilated house can cause problems, both for your home and for your health, causing a risk of dampness, mould, etc. The best thing to do is to ventilate your home, especially if you are renovating the interior or doing housework. It is advisable to air for at least 15 minutes a day. Make sure that there is always Make sure there is always a space of about 2 cm under your doors and leave the doors ajar at night to allow air to circulate. Do not block air inlets, ventilation units or extract units and clean them regularly.

Natural products are used

There are solutions to combat bad odours. Baking soda is a natural product that is biodegradable and non-toxic to the environment and health. It softens water, eliminates odours and cleans. In fact, you can deodorise ashtrays, carpets and cat litter boxes by cleaning them with bicarbonate of soda. It is also advisable to use white vinegar if you have persistent odours. This grandmother's remedy absorbs fried food odours, fish. To do this, simply place a bowl of white vinegar on your work surface.

Avoid candles, incense and scented sprays

When you notice that your home has a bad smell, you may be tempted to mask the uncomfortable odour with incense or a scented candle. However, this is a short-term solution that is harmful to your health. Indeed, some candles and incense can contribute to indoor air pollution by emitting carcinogenic toxins such as benzene, toluene, formaldehyde. This pollution not only discolours walls but can also contaminate the ducts of your ventilation system.

An air purifier to eliminate bad smells?

Even if airing is essential, this is not enough to eliminate bad odours. An air purifier would allow you to neutralise the most stubborn odours, not by covering them up, but by removing their components. TEQOYA lutherin air purifiers TEQOYA air purifiers combat odour nuisance and other pollutants, as they neutralise odours and up to 99% of ultra-fine particles.

Read Thierry Martin's testimony with the tip9, the old version of the TEQOYA 200.

 

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