Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are among the greatest risks to your household’s health and air quality. VOCs are hazardous gaseous chemicals that building materials and household products emit. This guide explains what volatile organic compounds are, why they’re dangerous and how you can keep them from circulating in your Easley, SC, house.
Causes of VOCs
VOCs come from a wide variety of materials you might use outdoors or indoors. Building materials, including paint, wood preservatives, adhesives, furniture polish, household cleaners and air fresheners are among the most common producers of volatile organic compounds.
Other sources of VOCs include disinfectants, cosmetics and mosquito repellants. Smoke from burning fuel oil or wood also contributes to the VOC concentration in your home. Heat emission during cooking can trigger kitchen cabinets and surfaces to produce harmful VOCs.
Examples of VOCs
Common airborne VOCs include:
- Formaldehyde
- Benzene
- Ethanol
- Xylene
- Acetone
Health Hazards of VOCs
Continual emission of VOC chemicals into the atmosphere exposes your household to infections and allergies. Research from the American Lung Association shows that severe exposure to these toxins could result in cancer, organ damage or harm to the central nervous system.
Other harmful health effects of VOC contamination include:
- Itching nose and eyes
- Breathing difficulties
- Nausea
- Persistent head heaviness and fatigue
Preventing VOC Pollution
Purchasing products with minimal VOC concentration is vital to breathing healthy air. Make sure to check the VOC levels in your paints and building materials. You could also consider incorporating natural pest management techniques instead of spraying manufactured pesticides.
Additionally, avoid smoking indoors to keep your living space free from tobacco smoke. Ensuring efficient ventilation and airflow also decreases the indoor VOC levels. Frequent HVAC maintenance boosts the air filter’s efficiency, so fresh air can circulate in all rooms.
Contact our team at Palmetto Heating & Air LLC for AC installation and maintenance. We offer expert filter cleaning and replacement to improve your home’s air quality.
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