Indoor Air Pollution: The Invisible Threat
While many people associate pollution with city smog and traffic, the World Health Organization states that we spend up to 90% of our time indoors—at home, in offices, schools, or public transport. This makes Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) a critical factor in our overall health.
Few realize that indoor air can be up to 5 to 10 times more polluted than outdoor air, due to the presence of VOCs, formaldehyde, particulate matter, mold, and synthetic fragrances.
For those with MCS, asthma, allergies, or chronic respiratory issues, these pollutants can trigger serious symptoms. But even healthy individuals may suffer from long-term, cumulative effects.
Common Indoor Pollutants
Let’s take a closer look at the hidden pollutants found in most modern homes:
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VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Found in paints, glues, particleboard furniture, cleaning products, candles, and air fresheners. VOCs like benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde are known carcinogens. -
Formaldehyde
Emitted from particleboard and MDF furniture. It’s a potent irritant and has been classified by the IARC as a human carcinogen. New furniture can release it for years. -
Fine Particulate Matter (PM10, PM2.5)
From combustion (wood stoves, cooking), synthetic materials, or cigarette smoke. It penetrates deep into the lungs and may cause systemic inflammation. -
Synthetic Fragrances
Common in laundry products, cosmetics, air fresheners, and even fabrics. Research (Steinemann, 2017–2020) links them to neurological, respiratory, and skin disorders, even at low exposure levels.
How We Monitor and Improve Indoor Air
The good news? You can take action to improve your indoor air quality. Here’s how:
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Indoor Air Monitoring
Affordable home sensors can measure VOCs, formaldehyde, CO₂, humidity, and particulate levels—giving you real-time insights. -
Natural and Mechanical Ventilation
Opening windows is a simple yet powerful solution. In sensitive environments, HEPA and carbon-filtered mechanical ventilation systems (VMC) offer strong protection. -
Eliminating Pollutant Sources
The most effective strategy: avoid materials and products that emit harmful substances. -
Certified Air Purifiers
Helpful in critical areas, but they don’t replace source elimination.
Air Quality at Casa Vallebona: Chemical-Free, Fragrance-Free, Naturally Pure
At Casa Vallebona, air quality is at the heart of our design philosophy.
Located in a natural, non-polluted setting within Monti Lucretili Park, the house benefits from exceptionally clean outdoor air. But the true strength is in the choices we’ve made indoors:
🔹 No toxic industrial materials – No MDF, laminates, particleboard, or synthetic glues.
🔹 VOC-free natural paints – Lime-based with mineral pigments, no essential oils.
🔹 Solid wood furniture – Carefully selected low-terpene woods like maple, chestnut, poplar, and beech.
🔹 Built-in or metal/ceramic furniture – Chemically inert, zero emissions.
🔹 Unscented, untreated textiles – Washed with enzyme-free natural detergents.
We also maintain a strict fragrance-free policy, with special attention given to the bedroom—considered a true detox "sanctuary," as taught by Dr. William Rea, pioneer of environmental medicine. This is where the body can finally rest and repair, free from chemical and electromagnetic interference.
At Casa Vallebona, we offer a welcoming, safe, and comfortable environment for people living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), allergies, and Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS). Our space is designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with environmental sensitivities.
Nestled in a charming woodland within the heart of Monti Lucretili Natural Park, the house is surrounded by pristine nature. There are no nearby farms, factories, or commercial businesses—just clean air and natural silence.
We’ve gone above and beyond to make the indoor environment as pure and health-supportive as the outdoors. Here’s how we did it.
Want to Make Your Home MCS- and EHS-Friendly?
📘 Prefer to read? Get your copy of “The Healthy Home” (Italian title: La casa della buona salute) soon in bookstores or online!
