Volatile Organic Compounds
VOCs are a vast category of chemicals present in many goods we use to create and maintain our residences. These chemicals are discharged or “off-gas” into the indoor air we breathe once they have entered our houses. They may or may not be adorable, and odor isn’t a reliable sign of health risk.
Benzene, ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, toluene, xylene, and 1,3-butadiene are just a few examples of VOCs that may be present in our daily life. The danger of health impacts from inhaling any chemical is proportional to the amount in the air, as well as the length and frequency with which a person breathes it in.
Long-term exposure to low levels of VOC fume extraction may increase the risk of health problems for some people. According to several studies, VOC exposure may aggravate symptoms in patients with asthma or who are chemically sensitive. These are very distinct types of exposures than those encountered in the workplace. It’s crucial to keep in mind that VOCs are a group of compounds. Each chemical has unique toxicity and the ability to cause various health impacts.
Reduce VOC Levels from Your Home
First, look for frequent sources of VOCs in your home. Look for paints, varnishes, solvents, adhesives, and caulks that haven’t been used in a while. When fresh, household furnishings such as carpet, upholstered furniture, or objects constructed of composite wood tend to emit more VOCs.
- When it comes to paints, solvents, adhesives, and caulks, only buy what you need. Unused household chemicals can occasionally “leak” and discharge VOCs into the air.
- Keeping unneeded chemicals in a garage or shed where no one spends much time is a good idea.
- Remove any unused chemicals from your home or garage and dispose of them. Household hazardous waste collection places can be found by contacting your city or county.
- Consider buying paints and furnishings with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Look for floor models that have been permitted to off-gas in the store when purchasing fresh things. Solid wood goods with low-emitting coatings will have fewer VOCs than composite wood items.
Hence, there are also many benefits of air purifiers for houses. This is so because such fumes reduce the level of oxygen in the air. Thus, people can be affected by various health problems due to this. It can cause brain or heart problems.