Why VOC removal is important for you

Removing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

 

Unless you live in a bubble, you are constantly exposed to varying levels of volatile organic compounds in your home. Every single day.

 

These organic chemicals get into our ambient air when they are emitted from materials we use during construction or products we use indoors. A 2006 study measuring VOC levels in newer and older homes during a 3-year period found that VOC levels were highest in newly-built homes, that levels markedly decreased after one year and that there was no significant fluctuation in the older homes.

 

Still, even if you don’t move from new home to new home, a mix of volatile organic compounds will always affect your indoor air quality. The levels may not be high enough to cause acute reactions, but experts have been ringing the alarm bells over the possible health effects of long-term low exposures.

 

Fact is, high levels of volatile organic compounds are a health risk. When exposed to higher concentrations of certain VOCs, the EPA says you may experience symptoms such as eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment.

 

Some VOCs have been shown to affect the liver, kidneys and the central nervous system. Others may cause cancer in humans.

 

Pretty much all materials and many products used in modern construction off-gas VOCs. There are thousands of sources on the market, according to the EPA.

 

The most common sources of VOC's include:

 

• Paints
• Lacquers
• Varnishes
• Cleaning products
• Aerosol sprays
• Moth repellents
• Hobby supplies
• Air fresheners
• Disinfectants
• Dry-cleaned clothing
• Cosmetics
• and more

 

The removal of VOC's is important for everyone not living in a cave, then. And even if we can’t switch the building materials that were used to build our homes, we can always be mindful of volatile organic compounds when we choose to use certain household products, when we are doing renovations and in our everyday household management.