COPD Indoor Hazards Lurking in Your Home

Household items and the layout of your home can worsen COPD flare-ups, making it more challenging to breathe. Here’s how to create a home that supports you. 

“Home sweet home” is commonly found on door signs, welcome mats, and cross-stitch projects. While the term has become almost passe, the meaning behind it — that your home is a sweet, safe space you enjoy living in — is something most people understandably want to ring true.

Some of the most common COPD triggers are found in homes, which can be frustrating. Maybe you’re laying low while an upper respiratory virus like COVID-19 is circulating at high levels in your area, only to feel short of breath and dizzy — perhaps even experiencing a coughing fit — while ordering delivery groceries and meals.

Everyone has different triggers, and you’ll want to tune into yours. But generally, some household items that seem fine and bring joy to a space, like a fireplace and scented candles, can pose health risks.

The same can be said for some things out of your control, like where your cabinets are located. But, there are ways you can make your home healthier.

“By taking steps to minimize exposure to indoor hazards, such as maintaining a clean home, controlling humidity, and using air purifiers, people with COPD can reduce their risk of complications and improve their overall health and well-being,” said Nadeem Ali, MD, a pulmonologist with Hackensack Meridian Medical Group.

Step one is recognizing the triggers and then working on fixes to turn your home into a place that works for you.

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Scented candles and air purifiers

Scented candles and air purifiers can cut down odor in your home. Lighting a scented candle and reading or meditating is also often billed as a self-care exercise — and it can be. However, you may feel anything but refreshed after using these items.

“These can release volatile organic compounds and fine particulate matter,” said Bindu Akkanti, MD, an associate professor of pulmonology and the founder of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program in the Wellness Center at Memorial Hermann (TMC).

Volatile organic compounds are chemicals that evaporate into the air, spreading fragrance and fine particulate matter (tiny airborne particles found in dust and dander). But Akkanti said they can cause serious irritations in the airways.

“Irritation in COPD means the body’s inflammatory system is hyper-drive, which leads to potentially increasing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath,” Akkanti said.

Action steps

Raj Dasgupta, MD, a pulmonologist at Keck Medicine of USC’s pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine division, suggests that people opt for natural air fresheners or unscented candles in well-ventilated spaces. But tune into your body, as some people may find even scented candles worsen COPD.

Ali said essential oil diffusers like eucalyptus or peppermint could be safer bets for some but stresses checking with a provider first. Data on whether they help or harm COPD symptoms is limited, and the American Lung Association flags essential oils as a potential trigger on their website.

Indoor climate

Temperature and humidity can lead to COPD flare-ups, whether you’re outside on a walk or behind closed doors.

“Indoor heat and exposure, hot weather in general, and high humidity tend to cause worse respiratory symptoms for those with COPD and other respiratory conditions,” said Jimmy Johannes, MD, a pulmonologist with MemorialCare Medical Group in California.

He adds that heat and humidity can also place stress on the cardiovascular system, and heart-related issues can often co-exist with COPD.

A 2017 study suggested that temperature and humidity were linked to COPD symptoms.

Action steps

It’s important to keep indoor temperature and humidity levels stable and comfortable. Akkanti generally recommends 68°F to 72°F (20°C to 22°C) for temperature, and Dasgupta recommends 30% to 50% indoor humidity levels.

“Using humidifiers in winter and dehumidifiers in damp conditions can also help in certain situations,” Akkanti says.

CO₂ levels

Additionally, research indicates that late-stage COPD can increase the risk of too much carbon dioxide in the blood (CO₂ retention), a gas naturally circulating in our homes. Too much CO₂ can cause issues. Dasgupta said even mildly elevated levels of CO₂ in the house can trigger:

• headaches
• fatigue
• drowsiness
• eye irritation
• sore or dry throat
• dizziness
• trouble concentrating
• stuffy nose
• coughing
• sneezing

At higher levels, he said people might experience:

• confusion
• increased heart rate
• nausea
• disorientation
• altered mental state

Action steps

“Poor ventilation can lead to a buildup of carbon dioxide, which can worsen COPD symptoms,” Ali said.

He suggested opening windows to improve ventilation and exhaust fans to keep CO₂ levels low. Akkanti said that sometimes, using a CO₂ monitor can be helpful.

Allergens and pollutants

A 2020 meta-analysis suggested that people exposed to dust for long periods at work were at a higher risk of developing COPD. But Johannes said being around dust at home frequently can also worsen your COPD symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath.

A 2020 study involving 140 people’s self-reported information on mold exposure suggested a link between mold exposure and COPD flare-up risk.

Ali explained that spores (tiny airborne cells produced by mold) can irritate the lungs and trigger symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and wheezing.

Heat ducts, which help the HVAC system in your home maintain that 68°F to 72°F (20°C to 22°C) temperature, can spread these allergens, which Akkanti said can make flare-ups more likely. 

Action steps

Ali suggests taking the following steps to reduce the amount of dust in your home:

• dusting frequently with damp cloths
• vacuuming with a HEPA filter
• wash bedding weekly in hot water
• using dust mite covers for pillows and comforters
• checking for leaks and moisture
• cleaning moldy surfaces with a bleach solution
• considering a dehumidifier to control humidity (which can worsen mold)
• changing filters every 1 to 3 months
• considering an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove pollutants

Stoves and fireplaces

Like scented candles, a fireplace can be a way to feel cozy in your home.

And stoves? We don’t have to tell you how they can assist with diet. However, the American Lung Association and doctors explain that they can cause some issues, like scented candles, because of the air pollution caused by the smoke.

“Gas stoves release nitrogen dioxide, which can irritate the lungs, Ali said.

However, Johannes explained that wood stoves can also pose a problem.

“In addition to potentially causing cough or shortness of breath for those with respiratory conditions in the near-term, long-term frequent exposure from smoke from a fireplace or a wood- or other biomass-burning stoves or ovens, has been linked to the development of COPD, especially in developing countries,” Johannes said.

Fireplaces are a risk for this reason, too.

Action steps

Akkanti recommends using an electric stove if possible. If your home came with a gas one and a renovation isn’t in the cards, there are still ways to reduce your risk of a COPD flare-up.

“When using gas stoves, ensure proper ventilation along with a working range hood will help reduce harmful pollutants in the air,” Akkanti said.

Of course, it’s still possible to cozy up to electric fireplaces, Dasgupta added.

Fall and injury hazards

Research, including a 2021 review, suggests you may have a higher fall risk.

“COPD makes it harder for your blood to carry enough oxygen to your organs and brain,” Dasgupta said. “This can cause ongoing dizziness, making falls more likely.”

In addition to clutter, other home areas can lead to fall risks (and other injuries). These include:

• tall/overhead cabinets can put stress on the body when reaching for items
• stairs
• slippery bathroom floors

Action steps

Akkanti suggested keeping your floors dry and removing clutter to avoid pitfalls (and literal ones).

Takeaway

Germs, outdoor temperature, and smoke from wildfires are known COPD triggers you’re more likely to be exposed to when leaving your home. However, items and hazards within the home can also trigger COPD flare-ups.

Understanding these triggers can help you take action steps to protect your health. For example, regular dusting and ensuring air filters are changed every 1 to 3 months can lower the odds of allergens like dust irritating your lungs.

Clutter and slippery surfaces can contribute to dust and fall risks. Tidying the home and keeping floors dry can lower these risks. Ask for help with tasks, and don’t feel bad about asking family and friends to avoid using triggers, like scented candles, incense, or air fresheners, when you visit.

Everyone’s triggers might be a bit different, so tune into your body to determine which items worsen your COPD symptoms.