Who doesn’t love the festive decorations and beautiful lights of the holiday season? They set a lovely backdrop for family visits and the quality time we associate with the wintertime. Unfortunately, everyone needs to be cautious about the air quality in their home. Air pollution and harmful contaminants, such as radon, can seriously affect your family’s health. From allergies to lung cancer, the results can be painful.

We suggest getting your home’s air quality tested before the festivities are in full swing, including winter radon testing in Des Moines, IA. Meanwhile, here are a few tips to make sure your home’s air quality is safe:

• Use a real Christmas tree and natural decorations: Maybe you’re allergic to evergreens, or just prefer the convenience of faux fir, but your fake tree might be sending dust and harmful chemicals into the air every time a branch moves. Similarly, fake pinecones, evergreen garlands, holly berries and other simulated décor contain poisonous chemicals. We suggest (assuming you’re not allergic) using actual natural greenery in addition to a real Christmas tree. The more live houseplants in your home, the better—plants can improve the air quality through photosynthesis.
• Avoid air fresheners and scented candles: Scented candles can release carcinogens, which cause cancer, and air fresheners contain phthalates, which disrupt hormones and cause other health problems. The fake apple smell just isn’t worth it! Instead, try boiling water on the stove and adding real ingredients, like cinnamon sticks, herbs and fruit.
• Replace or retire your wood-burning fireplace: No one wants lung disease for the holidays, but when you use a wood burning fireplace, you’re risking your respiratory health. Safer, yet still festive options include gas, electric and propane fireplaces—or you can skip the fire altogether and fill your fireplace with LED candles or lanterns. It offers the same warm glow without the health risks.
• Ventilate while you’re cooking: Releasing some pollutants into the air while you’re cooking is unavoidable, but you can reduce their impact by making sure you’re cooking in a well-ventilated room. Use the stovetop fan and crack the windows open a little bit, if necessary.
• Take your shoes off: Finally, you can avoid inhaling dust and dirt particles (and tracking in a mess) when you remove your outdoor shoes before walking through your home.

With these tips—and regular air quality testing—your holidays are guaranteed to be healthy and fun!

Schedule winter radon testing in Des Moines, IA

Keep your home’s air quality safe over the winter months. Sir Build-a-Lot is dedicated to helping homeowners protect their loved ones by offering complete radon testing and mitigation services for families in the Des Moines area. When you enlist our services, we send a skilled radon testing and mitigation technician to your property to measure and treat your home’s radon levels. We follow a precise 13-point inspection of your home, ensuring your family’s health and safety. Call us today to find out how to schedule an appointment for winter radon testing before the holidays are in full swing.