Bronte Wells
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a large group of chemicals that are found in many household products. They are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids and can have adverse health effects. VOCs are known to cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Prolonged exposure can lead to more severe health issues, especially for those with respiratory conditions. To control VOC pollution, it is essential to recognize the sources, minimize the use of VOC-containing products, improve ventilation, and opt for low-VOC alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ventilation | Increase ventilation by opening doors and windows. Use fans to maximize air brought in from the outside. |
| Temperature and humidity | Keep both the temperature and relative humidity as low as possible. Chemicals off-gas more in high temperatures and humidity. |
| Home renovations | Try to perform home renovations when the house is unoccupied or during seasons that will allow you to open doors and windows to increase ventilation. |
| Paints and varnishes | Choose paints and varnishes with low VOCs. |
| Furniture | Opt for second-hand furniture as off-gassing from new furniture is prominent in the first few years of the product. |
| Cleaning products | Choose cleaning products marked 'low' or 'no VOCs'. |
| Adhesives | Choose glues labeled non-toxic that have no strong chemical smell. |
| Building materials | Let new building products air outside to release VOCs before installing them. |
| Pest management | Use integrated pest management techniques to reduce the need for pesticides. |
| Tobacco smoke | Don't smoke and keep all buildings smoke-free. |
| Product labels | Read product labels and avoid or limit the use of items with harmful ingredients. |
| Disposal | Dispose of unwanted products safely. |
| Air cleaners | Consider using portable air cleaners equipped with HEPA and activated carbon filters to neutralize VOCs. |
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What You'll Learn
Identify and remove sources of VOCs
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a large group of chemicals found in many household products, such as cleaning agents, paints, varnishes, and carpets. They are emitted as gases and can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and even cancer. To identify and remove sources of VOCs, follow these steps:
Inspect your home
Look for common sources of VOCs, such as unused chemicals like paints, varnishes, solvents, adhesives, and caulks. Household furnishings like carpets, upholstered furniture, or items made from composite wood tend to off-gas more VOCs when they are new.
Remove or reduce VOC sources
Get rid of or minimise the number of products in your home that emit VOCs. Only buy what you need when it comes to paints, solvents, adhesives, and caulks. Consider purchasing second-hand furniture, as off-gassing is often most prominent in the first few years of a product's life.
Store household products properly
Keep products in their original containers and store them in a well-ventilated area, such as a garage or outdoor storage unit. Avoid storing them in areas with high temperatures or humidity, as this can increase the release of VOCs.
Choose low-VOC products
When shopping for household products, opt for those with low VOC levels. Look for labels that say "low-VOC" or "no-VOC." These products contain fewer or no harmful chemicals, reducing the concentration of VOCs in your indoor air. Choose low-VOC cleaning products, such as detergents, air fresheners, furniture polish, oven cleaner, and carpet cleaner.
Increase ventilation
Improve indoor air quality by increasing ventilation in your home. Open doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate and dilute the concentration of VOCs. Use fans to maximise the amount of outdoor air brought inside.
Use air purifiers
Invest in air purifiers with PCO (Photocatalytic Oxidation) and activated carbon to effectively remove VOCs from the air. Place the air purifier in the room where you spend the most time, such as the bedroom or living room.
Utilise natural alternatives
Consider using natural alternatives, such as vinegar and baking soda, instead of harsh chemical products. These alternatives are effective and safe, reducing the presence of VOCs in your home.
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Improve ventilation
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. They are a large group of chemicals found in many household products, such as paints, varnishes, wax, cleaning products, disinfectants, cosmetics, and fuels. VOCs are released or "off-gassed" into the indoor air we breathe, and they can have adverse health effects. To control VOC pollution, it is important to improve ventilation.
One way to improve ventilation and reduce VOC pollution is to increase the amount of fresh air in your home. This can be done by opening doors and windows, using fans, and keeping the temperature and humidity low. Chemicals off-gas more in high temperatures and humidity, so maintaining optimal humidity levels between 30% and 50% is recommended. Exhaust fans can also be used to maximize the amount of outdoor air brought inside.
When using household products that emit VOCs, it is important to follow the warnings on the labels. Many products will advise users to use them in well-ventilated areas. It is also important to dispose of partially used chemicals properly. VOC emissions can leak from closed containers, so these should be thrown away in a toxic household waste collection rather than in the regular garbage.
Another way to improve ventilation is to monitor indoor air quality and adjust accordingly. There are smart indoor air quality monitors available that can detect radon, temperature, air pressure, humidity, VOCs, and CO2 levels. This allows you to be notified when levels are rising and make adjustments as needed.
Additionally, when redecorating or purchasing new items, choose products with low VOC levels. Look for labels that indicate "low VOC," "No VOC," or "Zero VOC." This is especially important for paints, as high levels of VOC solvents in paint can contribute to pollution and reduce indoor air quality. Water-based acrylic paints that are zero-HAP (hazardous air pollutants) and free from biocides, fungicides, and irritating preservatives are recommended.
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Store products containing VOCs away from living spaces
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a group of chemicals found in many household products, such as paints, varnishes, cleaning supplies, and personal care products. These chemicals are released into the air when the products are used or even when they are stored, which can negatively impact indoor air quality and cause health issues, especially for those with asthma or respiratory conditions.
To reduce exposure to VOCs, it is recommended to store products containing VOCs away from living spaces. Here are some ways to do this:
- Identify products containing VOCs: Look for warning labels on products advising that they should be used in a well-ventilated area. Common household products containing VOCs include cleaning supplies, paints, varnishes, air fresheners, cosmetics, and personal care products.
- Store in a detached space: If possible, store products containing VOCs in a detached garage or shed. This will help keep the VOCs from off-gassing into your living space.
- Proper ventilation and storage: If you must store VOC-containing products inside your home, ensure the storage area is well-ventilated. Open windows or use exhaust fans to increase airflow and reduce the concentration of VOCs.
- Reduce and limit purchases: Minimize the number of VOC-containing products you buy and only purchase what you need. Opt for low-VOC or VOC-free alternatives whenever possible, such as low-VOC paints, detergents, and cleaning products.
- Safe disposal: Properly dispose of unneeded chemicals and partially used containers at household hazardous waste disposal sites or through community toxic waste collection programs. VOCs can leak from closed containers, so safe disposal is crucial to reducing indoor VOC levels.
By following these steps, you can help reduce your exposure to VOCs and improve the indoor air quality of your living spaces.
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Reduce use of VOC-containing products
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a large group of chemicals found in many household products. They are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids and can cause both short-term and long-term adverse health effects. Given the universal nature of VOCs, it is nearly impossible to keep them out of your home, but there are ways to reduce their use.
One of the best ways to address VOCs in the home is to reduce or eliminate the use of products and materials that contain them. Look for products with labels such as 'low VOC', 'No VOC', or 'Zero VOC'. When buying new items, opt for solid wood items with low-emitting finishes rather than items made with composite wood. For example, when purchasing paints, varnishes, and waxes, choose those with low VOC content. With cleaning products, opt for those marked 'low' or 'no VOCs'.
When it comes to adhesives, opt for glues labelled non-toxic and avoid those with a strong chemical smell. If you're installing new carpets, pressed-wood furniture, or upholstered furniture, unwrap them and keep them in a well-ventilated area for 7-10 days before bringing them inside. This will allow many of the VOCs to vaporize before you bring them into your living space.
If you're dry cleaning your clothes, air dry them outdoors for a few hours before bringing them inside. Perchloroethylene, a suspected carcinogen, can be found on fabrics even weeks after cleaning. When it comes to household renovations, try to perform them when the house is unoccupied or during seasons that allow you to increase ventilation by opening doors and windows.
Additionally, be mindful of the products you use in your kitchen, garage, office, and bathroom, as these spaces can also contain VOC-emitting items. For example, cleaning supplies, gas stoves, frying food, vehicle exhaust, paints, solvents, printers, markers, correction fluid, air fresheners, hairspray, and cosmetics can all contain VOCs.
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Use air cleaners to neutralise VOCs
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are harmful gases emitted from various household products and materials, such as cleaning agents, paints, and carpets, among others. Exposure to VOCs can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory problems, headaches, and even cancer.
One way to neutralise VOCs is to use air cleaners or purifiers. Air cleaners that promise to reduce indoor levels of VOC pollutants using chemical oxidation may themselves be a source of VOCs, according to a study by MIT researchers. The study found that the chemical reactions that were supposed to remove VOCs played a minor role in the cleaners' operations, with the physical removal of pollutants through the cleaner's absorbents or filters doing most of the work.
Therefore, when choosing an air cleaner, it is important to look for those with filters or sorbent materials that can physically trap VOCs. Some products also offer chemical methods of destroying VOCs, such as photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) or ionization using ultraviolet light, plasma technology, or carbon-titanium-dioxide filters. However, it is important to note that oxidation of VOCs can lead to the generation of harmful byproducts, such as ground-level ozone or secondary fine particulate matter.
One recommended air purifier for tackling VOCs is the HealthPro Plus from IQAir, which has been creating air purifiers since WW2. This product features a unique HyperHEPA filter to capture the smallest particles and an impressive gas filter for VOCs with 5 lbs of activated carbon and zeolite. Another popular option is the HealthMate from Austin Air, which features a massive carbon filter packed with 15 lbs of activated carbon and zeolite. This product also comes with a 5-year warranty and easy one-dial operation.
In addition to using air cleaners, it is important to increase ventilation by opening doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate and dilute the concentration of VOCs. Exhaust, attic, or whole-house fans can also be used to pull air out of or through the living space, further diluting VOC concentrations.
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Frequently asked questions
VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds, which are a combination of odors and aromas emitted from chemicals. They are found in thousands of products we use every day and can have serious health impacts.
VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Prolonged exposure to VOCs can damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, and some VOCs are linked to cancer.
You can reduce your exposure to VOCs by increasing ventilation, choosing products with low or no VOCs, and disposing of unwanted products safely.
Products containing VOCs include cleaning supplies, air fresheners, cosmetics and personal care products, paints, markers, glues, varnishes, and flooring.
