When wildfires blaze across the country, we often hear warnings about the dangers of outdoor air pollution. News reports advise staying indoors to avoid exposure to fine particles and hazardous pollutants. But what if the air inside your home in Northeast Ohio, including Strongsville, isn’t much better?
Surprisingly, many everyday household activities generate the same harmful pollutants found in wildfire smoke—and sometimes at even higher levels. From gas stoves to fireplaces, your home may be filled with invisible threats that can impact your health just as much as outdoor air pollution.
Why Is Wildfire Smoke So Harmful?
Wildfire smoke is particularly dangerous because it contains PM2.5, a microscopic particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Exposure to PM2.5 can:
- Exacerbate asthma and respiratory conditions
- Increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes
- Cause irritation in the eyes, throat, and lungs
- Lead to long-term lung disease
Here’s the alarming part—PM2.5 isn’t exclusive to wildfire smoke. Many indoor sources produce these same harmful particles, often without you realizing it.
The Silent Air Pollution Inside Your Home
Even if you don’t see or smell smoke, common household activities may be releasing wildfire-level pollutants into your indoor environment. Here are some of the biggest culprits:
1. Gas Stoves: A Hidden Source of Air Pollution
Gas stoves are a popular choice in many homes, but they also contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. Every time you use a gas burner, you release:
- PM2.5 – The same fine particles found in wildfire smoke
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) – A gas that inflames the lungs and worsens asthma, particularly in children
- Carbon monoxide (CO) – A dangerous gas that can cause dizziness, confusion, and even poisoning at high levels
Studies show that cooking on a gas stove without proper ventilation can lead to air pollution levels that exceed EPA outdoor air quality standards—meaning the air in your kitchen could be as bad or worse than wildfire smoke on a heavy pollution day.
2. Fireplaces & Wood Stoves: Cozy, But Hazardous
A warm fire on a cold night feels comforting, but burning wood indoors is similar to creating your own mini wildfire. A wood-burning fireplace or stove releases:
- PM2.5 and VOCs – The same harmful fine particles and volatile organic compounds found in wildfire smoke
- Benzene & Formaldehyde – Known carcinogens that pose respiratory risks
- Carbon Monoxide – Even at low levels, CO can lead to serious health concerns
Even modern, EPA-certified wood stoves still emit pollutants that linger in the air, creating potential health risks, especially in homes with poor ventilation.
3. Candles & Incense: Unexpected Pollutants
Candles and incense might set a relaxing mood, but burning them indoors can introduce harmful substances, including:
- Soot and PM2.5 – Tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
- Formaldehyde and Acetaldehyde – Chemical irritants linked to respiratory issues
- Synthetic Fragrances – Some scented candles release airborne chemicals that degrade indoor air quality
If you wouldn’t light a wildfire in your living room, consider cutting back on burning candles and incense indoors.
4. Cleaning Products: More Than Just Fresh Scents
Many common cleaning products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to indoor air pollution. These VOCs react with other airborne chemicals to form secondary pollutants, such as formaldehyde, which can irritate the lungs.
Some of the worst offenders include:
- Aerosol sprays
- Disinfectants
- Air fresheners
- Bleach-based cleaners
Even so-called “green” or “natural” cleaning products can emit VOCs, making proper ventilation essential when using them.
5. Poor Ventilation & HVAC Systems: The Air Trap Inside Your Home
Even if you don’t use a gas stove or burn wood, your indoor air could still be filled with pollutants due to inadequate ventilation. Many homes in Northeast Ohio, including Strongsville, are sealed tightly to conserve energy, which can trap pollutants indoors and allow them to accumulate over time.
If your HVAC system isn’t equipped with a high-efficiency filter (MERV 13 or higher), it may be recirculating contaminants instead of removing them. Without proper air exchange, your home can become a toxic air bubble—even with the windows closed.
How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
The good news? You don’t have to live in wildfire-like air conditions inside your home. Here are steps you can take to improve indoor air quality and reduce exposure to harmful pollutants:
- Increase Ventilation – Use range hoods when cooking, open windows when weather permits, and consider installing an air exchange system.
- Upgrade HVAC Filters – A MERV 13 or higher filter can trap fine particles and improve air quality.
- Switch to Electric Cooking – If possible, replace gas stoves with induction or electric alternatives to reduce emissions.
- Limit Indoor Burning – Reduce the use of fireplaces, wood stoves, and candles to minimize particulate pollution.
- Use an Air Purifier – Opt for a purifier with a HEPA filter to effectively remove fine particles from your home’s air.
- Choose Safer Cleaning Products – Look for fragrance-free, low-VOC options to avoid unnecessary exposure to airborne chemicals.
Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Indoor Air
Wildfires remind us of the dangers of air pollution, but the reality is that many homes in Northeast Ohio already experience similar—or worse—indoor air conditions. Gas stoves, fireplaces, candles, and household cleaners all contribute to hidden air quality hazards that can impact your health.
By making small adjustments and improving ventilation, you can protect your home and family from these invisible threats. If you’re concerned about the air inside your home, Green Home Solutions offers professional indoor air quality testing and solutions to help you clear the air—because everyone deserves to breathe clean, healthy air year-round.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can improve the air quality in your Strongsville, Ohio home!