Removing odor improves indoor air quality and health in your
home. Some odors are not simply unpleasant but can be detrimental to your
well-being.

What
are odors?

Odors are chemicals, natural or synthetic, in the air that
bind to sense receptors in our nose. These reactions are interpreted by the
brain as smells. The chemicals and particles responsible for odors can be
detected in the air and counted. This is how air quality is measured.

What is air quality?

Air quality has two components: particulate matter and
chemicals. Particulate matter is larger, like pet dander, soot, dust or pollen.
Particulates don’t necessarily have odors. Chemicals are present in the air,
and we can smell some of them depending on their odor level.

Do odors affect health?

Some chemicals with odors are harmful. They can also be
warnings to take action. There are two categories of issues – airborne
chemicals with odors that are harmful, and odors which should prompt us to find
and remove their source.

Airborne chemicals with odor which
are harmful

1. Different people react
differently to the odors given off by new carpeting, upholstery, paint, laminated
furniture, and other odor sources. Many of these odors damage tissues as they
are inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Effects from chemical odors can be
long-term, resulting in cancer. Choosing eco-friendly products reduces toxins
from your environment.

2. Secondhand smoke odor is known to contain particulates and
chemicals such as formaldehyde which cause cancer. In addition, smoke odors
penetrate clothing and furniture resulting in unpleasant odor. Ban smoking in
your home, thoroughly clean all surfaces, especially fabrics. 

3. Many conventional deodorizers contain toxic chemicals. Replace
them with eco-friendly products such as SMELLEZE^® Eco
Reusable Deodorizer to absorb and eliminate harmful chemical odors.

4. Pesticides are extremely dangerous and should not be used
indoors. Choose organic or biological methods to control pests.

Odors as clues to other problems

1. A musty odor indicates mold growing. Mold is a living
organism that reproduces by spores, causing extreme reactions in some people.
Find the location of the mold and remove it. Mold grows where it is damp. You
may need to make repairs to prevent leaks and moisture build-up.

2. Pet odors come from dander and urine/stool accidents.
Dander is a particulate, and some people are allergic. If you can smell urine
or fecal odors your pet is relieving itself in the house. This is not only
unpleasant, but bacteria will grow in these areas. Clean thoroughly and retrain
your pet.

3. General bad odors are produced as bacteria grow on sweaty
socks, in soured milk, a dirty toilet, etc. Some of these cause disease, and
promote the breeding of vermin such as dust mites. Keeping a clean home really
is related to having a healthy home.

Conclusion