This week on Thoughts from the Crawlspace, Jamie discusses indoor air quality. More specifically, the hidden dangers of air fresheners. They’re marketed as quick fixes to make our homes smell better, but the reality is they may be doing more harm than good.

Instead of cleaning the air, many of these products actually release volatile organic compounds, VOCs, and other toxic substances that can negatively affect our health. He breaks down where these indoor pollutants come from, things like everyday household products, cleaning supplies, and certain building materials. From choosing safer, natural alternatives to understanding product labels, Jamie shares practical steps you can take to make your living space healthier.

Episode Highlights

• The hidden dangers of common air fresheners and why “clean scent” isn’t always clean.
• Everyday sources of indoor pollution—from cleaning products to building materials.
• Why VOCs (volatile organic compounds) matter for your health.
• Safer, natural alternatives for keeping your home fresh.
• Practical steps to improve air quality and protect your family’s health.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

02:49 - Understanding Indoor Air Quality and Pollution Sources

11:50 - Health Risks of Household Chemicals

16:00 - Alternatives to Conventional Air Fresheners

23:06 - Improving Indoor Air Quality