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CHEMICALS IN OUR HOME
by Nikki and Anne Heart ♥ October 22, 2026
*Although we wrote this post together, we have chosen to present the following through Mom’s eyes.
How often are we exposed to chemicals without knowledge?
In a recent post, I spoke about chemicals currently used in household and commercial products that can seriously impact our health. Some of these substances are now being acknowledged by regulatory agencies as harmful, and efforts are underway to restrict or ban their use.
But what about the countless other chemicals that have not yet been recognized, studied, or addressed?
This question came to mind during a recent experience in my own home.
When my oil burner stopped working, I called a service company I have trusted and used for years. They came promptly and repaired the burner. As expected, there was some lingering oil odor afterward. Oil is not the cleanest fuel, and a temporary smell has accompanied previous service visits.
This time, however, something was different.
A strong chemical odor filled the basement and soon spread throughout the main living area of the house. Concerned, we immediately opened the basement windows and set up a powerful fan to ventilate the space. Yet three days later, the smell remained overwhelming.
Based on past experience, this didn’t seem normal.
I contacted the service company to ask whether any cleaning agents, solvents, or other products had been used during the repair. They insisted that no chemicals had been involved.
That response left me wondering:
What exactly do they consider a chemical?
Many people hear the word “chemical” and think only of industrial substances or hazardous materials. In reality, everything from cleaning solutions and lubricants to fuels, sealants, adhesives, and degreasers contains chemicals. If a strong odor appeared immediately following a repair, it seems reasonable to ask what substances may have been introduced into the environment and whether they could affect indoor air quality or health.
Experiences like this make me question how often we are exposed to chemicals without our knowledge and how frequently those exposures are dismissed simply because the substances involved are considered routine or commonplace.
Possible Steps You Can Take
- Recognize that chemicals are everywhere. Chemicals are found in household cleaners, paints, adhesives, fuels, fragrances, pesticides, building materials, and many repair products. While not all chemicals are harmful, some can affect indoor air quality and may contribute to headaches, dizziness, respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, and other health concerns, especially in sensitive individuals.
- Improve ventilation whenever work is being done in your home. Open windows and doors when weather permits, use exhaust fans, and consider running portable air purifiers equipped with HEPA and activated carbon filters. Good ventilation can help reduce the concentration of airborne contaminants and odors that may be released during repairs, remodeling, cleaning, or maintenance projects.
- Inform contractors or service providers about chemical sensitivities. If someone in the household has asthma, allergies, multiple chemical sensitivities, or other respiratory concerns, let the company know before work begins. They may be able to use alternative products, minimize odor-producing materials, or recommend additional precautions.
- Ask for information about all products being used. Request the names of any cleaners, solvents, lubricants, adhesives, sealants, paints, or other materials that may be used during a service call. Ask whether the products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that can evaporate into the air and contribute to indoor air pollution.
- Review Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Manufacturers are required to provide Safety Data Sheets for many commercial products. These documents identify ingredients, potential health hazards, handling recommendations, and ventilation requirements. Reviewing an SDS can help you make informed decisions about products being used in your home.
- Trust your senses and your experience. If an odor seems unusually strong, lingers longer than expected, or causes symptoms such as headaches, nausea, eye irritation, or breathing difficulties, do not dismiss your concerns. Ask questions, document what you observe, and seek additional information about possible sources of the odor.
- Remember that “routine” does not always mean harmless. Many products commonly used in maintenance and repair work are considered safe when used as directed, but that does not mean they are free from health effects. Understanding what is being used in your home is an important part of protecting your family’s health and indoor environment.
The Bottom Line
We often assume that if a product is legally sold or routinely used, it must be completely safe. However, history has shown that some substances were considered acceptable for decades before their health risks became widely recognized. Asking questions, staying informed, and taking simple precautions can help reduce unnecessary exposures and create a healthier home environment.
Learn More
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Note: all information in “Nikki’s Story” are based on detail journals covering seven years of Nikki’s life on prescription drugs.
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