Are Volatile Organic Compounds in Your House? Here’s How That Happens and How To Get Rid of Them.

Volatile organic compounds or VOCs are substances that can have a significant impact on indoor air quality and, by extension, your and your family’s health. In most cases, you can’t see or smell them, but you will certainly notice the impact they have on your quality of life. Read on to find out how volatile organic compounds appear in your home and what you can do about them.

Where VOCs Come From

A wide variety of household products use organic compounds such as solvents, and many of these products will release VOCs when they are stored in your home. Some examples of products that frequently contain organic compounds are:

• Paints and paint strippers
• Wood preservatives
• Aerosol sprays
• Many types of cleaning and disinfecting products
• Air fresheners
• Mothballs
• Fuels, oils and other automotive products
• Hobby supplies
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Craft materials such as glues and adhesives
• Building materials
• Furnishings
• Office equipment and supplies such as correction fluids

Virtually every home contains at least a few items from that list. If you have any reason to suspect VOCs in your home, it’s time to take action to improve your indoor air quality.

How To Get Rid of VOCs

The first step to reduce VOC levels in your home is to minimize storage of products that contain VOCs. Buy only products that you will use up soon; don’t buy in bulk if you only use the product occasionally. Be sure to use each product in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, and maintain good ventilation whenever using products that contain organic chemicals.

To really address the issue of VOCs and improve general air quality, you should consider investing in products such as ventilators and air purifiers. To learn more, check out Freyaldenhoven Heating and Cooling’s indoor air quality solutions or call (501) 764-9077.