Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) In Your Home
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) In Your Home
Installing new carpeting? Repainting your walls? Buying new furniture? Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands.Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored. Installing new carpeting? Repainting your walls? Buying new furniture? It's likely that your upgrades will come complete with volatile organic compounds—or VOCs. As these chemicals break down, they release gas into the air that can cause headaches, sore throats, and more. Minimize the effects of off-gassing by ventilating a newly furnished room for at least a week after installation and always buying no- or low-VOC products when possible. It turns out that many bath and kitchen cleansers contain chemicals that are dangerous to the skin and eyes, and often produce fumes that can irritate the nose and throat. Fortunately, nontoxic cleansers like vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda enable you to remove dirt without adding danger. There are numerous "green" solvents on the market that are designed to eliminate paint, grease, and oil without harmful side effects. The average American home contains multiple sources of toxic flame-retardant chemicals—called polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs—because they are widely used in carpeting, upholstery, draperies, and other textiles, as well as in foam insulation, electronics, and plastics. PBDEs have been linked to cancer and reproductive disorders. In the past, the use of these chemicals was mandated by law; today, however, there are less-toxic alternatives available. For more info on air quality. For more information on VOC’S check out the epa website below,