indoor walls and ceiling (Web picture)
The truth is that these walls emit toxicity at various levels. Silent, silent, but dangerous. Building materials, wall primers and paint , have improved over the years; and yet we're constantly advised, and rightly so, to keep windows slightly open during most of the year.
(Air conditioning, which requires closed windows and doors for its efficacity, has worsened things for many people, including me, causing various allergic reactions and dry skin).
I don't trust any wall stuff. We don't really know what's in it despite regulations. The use of lead in paint ( lead - a metal that can be very toxic) was banned in 1978, but it still exists in walls of older homes. Asbestos (silicate minerals)- based materials, are banned in most countries and yet they are not completely out of use.
The bottom line - we should keep the windows open (not all the way, just a few inches) for as long as possible. Of course, not during the night or in very nasty weather.
That is not a bad idea keeping the windows opened for health reasons. I'd be afraid to do it where I live unless there were sturdy locks on the screen or bars on the windows. Its not a big crime area, but opened windows would be possibly an invitation for an unwelcome guest.
ReplyDeletebetty
During the day it won't be an invitation; during the night you won't leave the window open.
DeleteThis is a very interesting and thought provoking post you have here, DUTA. I have never thought about this topic before reading about it here. Thanks to you, I learned something new today.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful weekend!
Thank you. It is important that people become aware of the toxicity emanating from the indoor walls.
DeleteThis made me want to go outside and take a deep breath!
ReplyDeleteGood idea, Sandi.
DeleteVery good advice, thank you.
ReplyDeleteWell, it's an advice that I follow as much as possible.
DeleteYou are 100% correct, Duta. There is so much toxicity in building materials. We keep our windows open as much as possible, but in the depths of a Canadian winter it is not always practical. And if you live in an urban area the air is not so pure either.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Indeed, it's not always possible or practical to leave a window even slightly open. But we do what we can, and when it is possible.
DeleteAgree..nice post
ReplyDeleteThanks. Glad you do.
DeleteYes, its definitely good to allow fresh air in and through our homes, when conditions allow (I am mindful of the fact that not everyone is fortunate enough to live in a location where that is possible).
ReplyDeleteI feel, in addition to those reasons you've raised Duta, that it can raise one's feeling of wellbeing.
Alowing fresh air circulation in our homes can indeed contribute to our wellbeing.
DeleteThere is truth here. In our area, a man swiped some drywall, installed it, and by morning the family had died of formaldahyde poisoning. Although regulations are better, I am concerned about chemicals, too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a tragedy!
DeleteYes, we should be concerned about chemicals.
There's nothing better than sleeping with open windows, weather permitting. Amazing how we survive all the stuff we live surrounded by.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you; the emphasis, however, should be on "weather permitting".
Deletekeeping windows open at -50°C is impossible! I always open the windows in the morning for 5 or 10 min it depends the outsie temperature for the moment we have 0° in summer of course it's different, there I keep the windows open all the time, except when it is too hot ! Very few people have air conditioning only in shops, and offices.
ReplyDeleteAs a previous commenter has put it: "weather permitting".
DeleteAnyway, it doesn't have to be fully open, jist an inch or two.
Although I don't open the windows in winter --it's far too cold -- I don't have air conditioning in either my house or cottage so the windows are open full time as soon as weather allows. It feels so good and fresh. (And yes, a few summer days are pretty grim but then I can go to the movies if I must! A quick thanks for stopping by. I always love your visits and comments!
ReplyDeleteYou seem to handle it the right way.
DeleteThanks for your kind remark on my visits to your blog.
We are living in a draughty old house so have plenty of fresh air, which I am quite happy with!
ReplyDeleteA draughty house does allow currents of cold air to blow through it, but it also carries the danger of pneumonia.
DeleteBut if you say you're happy with the draught, I believe you.
True...true...true!
ReplyDeleteMy windows are always open. The only time I ever close one...just the one...above my bed...is when it rains...and if the rain is coming in that way...from that direction.
Other than then, it is always open...all seasons, as are the rest of my windows. And I have one wide, sliding screened door that is always open, too.
My abode is small. I don't have air-conditioning...I depend on a couple of pedestal fans to do their best to keep me cool. They're sometimes pretty slack at doing their job! :)
I love the fresh air....
Luckily, the climate in Australia and in my country Israel, allows us to keep windows open most of the time. In countries like Canada, Iceland, Alaska etc...where the climate is very cold, open windows do present a problem.
DeleteMy windows face to back yard almost always open, sometimes they open for 24 hours a day, except when it rains. All windows have screen :)
ReplyDeleteSounds neat.
DeleteBy the way, it reminds me that there's a voyeuristic thriller named Open Windows. Only heard of it.
That is true, especiallh older buildings can be quite dangerous, scary. I should remember what you said about windows, nice tip. Have a lovely week ☺
ReplyDeleteHi Natalia,
DeleteIt's actually more of a reminder than a tip. Most people are aware of the importance of open windows and fresh air circulation.
Older buildings are the worst with their lead paint and asbestos.
ReplyDeleteThat's true. Sadly,there are still places where old buildings prevail the area. They are said to be stronger buildings than the modern ones, but they're not healthy to live in.
DeleteA good idea if weather allows....
ReplyDeleteA good idea, indeed Trevor! I'll echo the words of a previous commenter " weather permitting".
DeleteGreat reminder that we don't know what lies in our walls. Old buildings or new, we don't know.
ReplyDeleteOpen windows lead to allergens for me.
Thank you, Susan
DeleteYes, I know that health experts advise against opening windows during pollen season.
Right on, Duta! Windows are not open here in these brutal winters but for the rest of the year, yes! Actually, I think carpeting is just as bad, so many chemicals! Take care
ReplyDeleteThat's correct about carpeting. Carpets are often made of synthetic fibers and treated with chemicals. Cozy but toxic.
DeleteGood on I hadn't thought about it Most of the time we have windows open but not when it rains or when it is very cold
ReplyDeleteWe usually don't think about bad things, unless we notice something suspicious. Once, paint fell off a wall in one of the rooms, and I saw some old layers that stirred my curiosity.
DeleteYou've got a sharp sense of observation!
ReplyDeleteNice article & good advice. I followed your blog now. Thx
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteMy husband would wholeheartedly agree with your comment, Duta, about leaving windows open. He does that every night and, of course, when the weather is warm enough the windows are always open in our apt.
ReplyDeleteI think your husband would be right. In cold weather,the window doesn't have to be fully open, but just slightly open.
DeleteHi Duta. Leaving the windows open seems like a good idea Duta!!I wonder about wallpaper??You said you don't trust any wall stuff, so probably wall paper too has something!! I think they use a simple glue made of rice, or anyway thats what I like to imagine as our walls are papered in wall paper:))!!! LIke another commenter, I also can't open the windows in the allergy season, but other times of year I will think of your advice!! Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, most wallpaper on the market is coated in vinyl which contains PVC.
DeleteBesides,when attaching it to the wall, one has to make sure the adhesive/glue is not toxic.
Carpeting and so many other things full of chemicals. Yikes.
ReplyDeleteIt's possible to buy non-toxic or low-toxicity rugs, made of natural materials: jute, organic cotton, sisal, wool, hemp.
DeleteYes, we open our windows, it's nice to let in some fresh air.
ReplyDeleteOf course on cooler days we don't open them too wide!
All the best Jan
Good to hear that. Air circulation could prevent a lot of trouble coming from walls, carpets and other home items.
DeleteMy son is sleeping with open window. Even when it is very cold. I think it is good too, to have plants in the rooms. You know, a gerbera daisy adds color to you home and is removing benzene and formaldehyde.
ReplyDeleteI keep the 'lucky bamboo' plant (dracaena sanderiana)not related to the regular plant, and I believe (not sure) it has air purifying qualities.
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