Are These Harmful "Volatile Organic Compounds" Hiding in Your Home?

If you're into a  healthy lifestyle, you've probably heard the term "volatile organic compounds", or VOCs for short.  Most likely you know then  it's not a good term, but most people don't really know anything else about these contaminants.
VOCs are chemical contaminants that are emitted from solids and liquids. All solids and liquids that include VOCs also include a carbon chain.  Any substance containing carbon is called an "organic".  While some carbon-containing products are relatively stable, or "inert", as it is printed  on the can or jar's label,  others are highly volatile, meaning they can break down into different substances and chemicals pretty easily. VOCs also build up in indoor places, therefore concentration levels in  indoor air quality can be 2 to 5 times as concentrated as compared to outdoors.

There are over 900 of VOCs, and they're present in products like

1) paints, solvents and aerosol sprays
2) air fresheners
3) household cleaners and disinfectants   
4) pesticides
5) nail polish
6) vinyl shower curtains
7) moth repellants
8) fuels and auto products
9) building materials
10) glues and adhesives
11) drycleaning chemicals, and
12) furniture and carpets.          

The EPA estimates that the concentrations of indoor VOCs resulting from paint stripping can reach as high as 1,000 times the concentration of the outdoor levels.  And that is just one product!
While many VOCs have short-term health effects, others can do serious long-term damage. Some VOCs, such as benzene are well-known carcinogens, while others are "suspected" carcinogens.

In the short-term, common health issues include eye, nose and throat irritation, headache, nausea and temporary loss of coordination. The long-term health effects are somewhat scary. VOCs can damage your liver, kidneys and central nervous system.
Common reported  symptoms of VOC exposure also include an allergic skin reaction, shortness of breath, vomiting, nosebleeds and fatigue.


 

Are These Harmful Volatile Organic Compounds Lurking in Your House?

  
If you're interested in a healthy, green living space, you've probably heard the term volatile organic compounds, or VOCs for short. Chances are you know it's not a good term, but most people don't really know anything else about these contaminants. Let me fill you in...

VOCs are chemicals that are emitted from solids and liquids. All solids and liquids that include VOCs also include a carbon chain, as any substance containing carbon is called an "organic". While some carbon-containing products are relatively inert, or stable, others are highly volatile, meaning they can break down into different substances and chemicals quite easily. VOCs also tend to accumulate in indoor spaces, therefore concentrations in indoor air can be 2 to 5 times as concentrated as to outdoors.

There are literally  thousands of VOCs, and they're present products like

1) paints, solvents and aerosol sprays
2) moth repellants
3) household cleaners and disinfectants   
4) pesticides
5) nail polish
6) vinyl shower curtains
7) air fresheners
8) fuels and auto products
9) building materials
10) adhesives and glues
11) drycleaning chemicals, and
12) furniture and carpets.   
      

The EPA estimates that the concentrations of indoor VOCs resulting from paint stripping can reach as high as 1,000 times the concentration of the outdoor levels.  And that is just one product!

VOCs and Your Health

While some VOCs have short-term health effects, others can do serious long-term damage. Some VOCs, such as benzene are well-known carcinogens, while others are "suspected" carcinogens.

In the short-term, common health issues include eye, nose and throat irritation, headache, nausea and temporary loss of coordination. The long-term health effects are downright threatening. VOCs can damage your liver, kidneys and central nervous system (i.e. your brain and your spine).

Common symptoms of VOC exposure also include an allergic skin reaction, shortness of breath, vomiting, nosebleeds and fatigue.
 

You can Sweeten the Quality of the Air you Breathe in your Home

If you have long-lasting health issues such as allergies or asthma, or even mild ones, like a sore throat or cough, it might be due to pollutants that are hovering in the air within your house. These symptoms should not be ignored or put up with. If you have a cold that just doesn’t want  to go away, allergies that are triggered when you get home, or frequent headaches and fatigue, you may be suffering from the effects of indoor air pollution that result from “sick building syndrome.” According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), people spend as much as 90 percent of their time inside, and health risks from air pollution may be even greater indoors than outside.

Cleaning supplies, paints and lacquers, pesticides, stove heaters and even furniture and carpets can cause indoor air pollution. Possible health effects of poor indoor air quality can range from an annoying stuffy nose to lung cancer. But, I have good news for you. Unlike outdoor pollution, indoor air  pollution is something you can control. With some simple precautions and proper maintenance, you can significantly reduce, or actually get rid of, sources of indoor air pollution in your home.

Invisible poisons, microscopic critters and VOCs

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that’s released when uranium in the dirt or rock under your house naturally breaks down. Radon then  enters the home through dirt floors, cracks in concrete walls and floors, floor drains and sumps. The EPA estimates that radon is the cause of about 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. Test your home. It's easy and inexpensive. Kits are available at your local hardware store. If testing reveals a radon problem in your home, hire a trained contractor who will explore your minimization choices.

Carbon Monoxide is invisible, odorless and potentially lethal when concentrated. Even at minimal concentrations, CO can cause impaired vision and affect coordination leading to headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea and flu-like symptoms that most likely clear up after you leave your house. In order to prevent carbon monoxide from harming your health, keep furnaces, gas ranges as well as water heaters  in good working order, having annual professional checkups. It is best to also install a carbon-monoxide detector near your bedrooms.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are produced as gases given off from certain solids or liquids, include fresh paint, new carpets, new furniture, wood adhesives, cleaning products, pesticides and dry-cleaning chemicals. According to the EPA, concentration levels of many VOCs can be up to 10 times higher indoors than outdoors. Inhaling these airborne chemicals can cause eye irritation, headaches or nausea, as well lead to long-term effects involving liver, kidney or central nervous system damage. Some VOCs have been established as causing cancer in humans.

Carefully read the labelled instructions on high-VOC products and make sure you ventilate the area of use and then store carefully, especially away from food or related products. Switch to natural cleaning products such as lemon juice, boric acid, baking soda and vinegar, and utilize pump products instead of aerosols.

Pesticides are another toxic pollutants that most of us don't take serious enough. Even when used outdoors, they can drift inside...or tracked on in the house on shoes and boots. They can cause eye irritation, affect the throat...can even increase the chances of cancer. Your body's central nervous system and kidneys could be also at risk . Avoid using  any chemical or artificial pesticides. Replace them with disease-resistant plants and washing their leaves frequently. Keep a healthy lawn by fertilizing naturally and  watering and aerating to eliminate or significantly reduce the need for chemical pesticides.

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