Beware of Your Halloween Decorations!
Halloween is approaching and as you are putting the final spooky touches on your home, you’ll want to remember to change your air filter. You may ask, what does your air filter have to do with Halloween decorations? A lot! I bet you did not know that most decorations release some form of toxins and chemicals into the air. This can be a high-risk contamination for people who spend more time indoors.
Smoke Machines
Fog machines are everyone’s favorite that brings “spooky” to any Halloween environment. Although it is entertaining and fun there are actual chemicals being emitted into the room. The fog itself is made up of chemicals so when the machine dispenses the fog it not only causes breathing problems for loved ones already suffering from severe allergies or asthma, but it also clogs your air purifier.
Plastic Decorations
What is scarier than the actual Halloween costume and decorations? The PVC they contain! Most contain PVC plastics which are non-recyclable and contain toxic chemicals. To avoid this simply look for “no PVC” on all products. According to “Toxic-Free Future”(link https://toxicfreefuture.org/blog/are-there-toxic-chemicals-in-your-childs-trick-or-treat-bag-or-halloween-costume/) a report was published stating that PVC was found in most Halloween products. Some of the PVC tested also contained phthalates, flame retardants, and lead. This also applies to smaller much gentle decorations such as fake cotton spider webs. Once the web is spread out it releases harmful VOC particles into the air which can circulate throughout the home.
Candles
Using candles to bring the outdoor fall scent indoors is a common tradition. Most candles, if not in their natural color contain some form of paraffin wax which is what creates toxins once it is burned. Additionally, some candles contain lead-core wicks which are still common and tend to release twice as much lead into the air. Lastly, most synthetic fragrances contain phthalates which can be inhaled or entered through the skin. Even if you choose not to light your candles just leaving the lid off still allows you to be exposed to the chemicals.
Raw Pumpkins
Halloween is not Halloween without a pumpkin insight. Pumpkins are one decoration (real or fake) that truly transforms the season to fall. They are a simple fruit that brings families together for meals, crafts, and gatherings, but did you know they could be harmful? A raw pumpkin displayed as decoration will mold over time and release millions of spores into the air.
Conclusion
Let us not take the joy out of Halloween. Be proactive and clean your air filters by replacing them with TrueGuard products. TrueGuard True HEPA technology captures particles as small as 0.3 microns and our activated carbon prefilters capture volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as those given off by candles and certain decorations. Additionally, look for Halloween decorations that do not contain harmful particles such as PVC. When buying candles for your home be sure to purchase unscented or naturally scented candles made from all-natural products with paper or 100% cotton wicks. Avoid smoke machines altogether unless it is outdoors. Lastly, keep the pumpkins and replace them as needed to avoid mold spores.