VOCs & Indoor Air Quality

Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs are a major concern for indoor air pollution today. EPA reckons levels of some common noxious wastes to be two to five times higher inside our homes than outdoors. You’ve most likely heard of these chemicals if you've ever shopped for an air purifier. But do you have an idea what these chemicals are? This write-up is going to inform you a bit about VOCs of what they are, where they derive from, and how to divest yourself of them.

What is VOC, by the way?

VOC represents for Volatile Organic Compound. The Organic part indicates they contain carbon, and Volatile indicates they disperse easily at room temperature. Chemicals like benzene, toluene, methylene, chloride, formaldehyde, and many others are just the same with VOCs. The exposure to VOCs can cause warning signs like nose and throat irritation, allergic skin reactions, asthma attacks, headaches, and nausea according to the EPA. They can cause more serious health problems the more you get high enough exposures.

Where these VOC’s derived from?

A wide variety of household products are where the VOC’s can be found. Just try to look under the kitchen or bathroom sink and you will possibly discover many substances which give off some kind of VOC. VOCs can be found as well as in products as omnipresent as paints, varnishes, cleaning supplies, new floor coverings and furniture, perfumes and air fresheners, glues and adhesives, antiseptics, and all other sources. Now you can see that greater amount of VOC’s can be found inside our homes.

How to Avoid VOC’s?

Apparently, VOCs cannot be detached from our homes entirely. It happens that they are basically a part of modern life. On the other hand, I have here several steps to cut down VOC exposure to a safer and healthier lifestyle.

1. Limit the usage of your air fresheners, fabric conditioners, window cleaning fluids, sprays and aerosols, and dry cleaning; this can help reduce VOC exposure inside our homes.

2. Avoid using insect repellents inside the house as much as possible.

3. Try to find products with no scents or colorings, or products for sensitive skin.

4. Try to find paints that are tagged "low-VOC" and try to use water-based paints and sealants when painting.

5. Don't mix up household care or cleaning products unless directed on the label of the product.

6. Circulate air well as using coat or coat strippers, harsh cleaners, and any other smelly products.

7. If you have unused containers of these products sitting or just scattering around better throw them away because even closed containers can give away gases. Make sure you divest yourself of them securely.

8. Buy in a small quantity that you will use right away for products you only use rarely or seasonally.

9. Let new furnishings or furniture circulate air for a moment before bringing them into the home or better yet, make sure that the room they will be in is appropriately ventilated.

10. As dust is a great absorbent for VOCs, so removing dust can help reduce exposure, Use a creased filter in your heating system or run an air purifier.

11. Air purifiers with specifically blended carbon filters can take away VOCs from the air as well inside our homes.