After completing a home decoration, homeowners are eager to move into their new space as soon as possible. However, it's important to be cautious about potential decoration pollution that can pose serious health risks to occupants.
1. Ventilation Time
The length of ventilation largely depends on the extent of the decoration and the materials used. Families that opt for environmentally friendly decorative materials or undergo minimal decoration may experience lower levels of pollutants like formaldehyde.
In such cases, a ventilation period of 3-6 months after the decoration may suffice to eliminate any residual odors. However, for families that indulge in extravagant room decoration using large quantities of low-quality synthetic materials, the resulting formaldehyde pollution, benzene, toluene, and other harmful gases can be more severe.
Under these circumstances, relying solely on ventilation may require up to 2 years or more before it is safe to move in.
2. Don't Rely Solely on Odor Detection
It is important to note that relying solely on smell to identify indoor formaldehyde content can be misleading.
Formaldehyde, a common pollutant in decoration, has a strong irritant effect on mucous membranes and can cause severe health issues. It is important to know the fact that not all pollutants associated with decoration have a discernible odor.
Decoration pollution extends beyond formaldehyde and may include pollutants such as radon and benzene, which are odorless.
Furthermore, even when indoor formaldehyde concentration is low, it may not be detectable by smell, but it doesn't necessarily mean it falls within the safe range.
To ensure accurate measurements, consider using formal instruments or reliable testing methods that adhere to established standards. Relying solely on your sense of smell is inadequate for judging indoor air quality.
3. Concentrated Release Cycle of Harmful Substances
Different harmful substances released during decoration have varying release cycles.
Formaldehyde: The release cycle is 15 years, but according to the study, it takes about 2 years for it to fall back to the same level as the old house.
Benzene: The main volatilization period is 7 days, which means that most of it can be volatilized in 7 days, and it will reach a safe value within three to six months.
TVOC gas: It has a concentrated volatilization period of 45 days, with a residual presence of about three years.