Cool With You

- Angelo Ramirez De Cartagena

“Then close your eyes and tap your heels together three times. And think to yourself, ‘There’s no place like home,’” and so goes the good witch Glinda to a post-epiphany Dorothy in the seminal classic, The Wizard of Oz. It is true, nothing compares to walking past the final barricade of an entire day gone by, shedding all decorative layers and just surrendering to the safety of one’s home—the place that was reinforced as the most protected of environments growing up.

However, despite the best of intentions and a most watchful eye (hi, mom), no space will ever be truly immaculately clean. In fact, science has brought to our attention the shocking fact that pollutants can build up even indoors, 5 times worse than the harrowing mix of smog we inhale outdoors. Even the most unassuming of indoor increments, such as cleaning products, scented candles and cooking fumes, combine with urban pollution, particulate matter and pollen that add up to not only an unseen unpleasant living experience, but it also affects the general health of the family as well.