There are at least two very good reasons why VOCs are important to consider when it comes to maintaining a clean and healthy home.

1. VOCs can be found in many items you use daily, such as household cleaners.
2. They present a threat to the environment and are a health hazard, which can result in physical harm, depending on factors such as concentration and extent of exposure.

Luckily, there are many ways to reduce our exposure to VOCs, such as using Bona cleaning products with low to no VOCs. Most Bona floor cleaners are VOC-free.

What are VOCs?

VOC stands for volatile organic compounds; carbon-based materials that are emitted as gasses (a.k.a. off-gassing) from particular solids or liquids. During the off-gassing process, VOCs get into the air we breathe at low temperatures – even at room temperature, and hence the most common way that humans are exposed to them.

Common VOCs include:

• Acetone
• Acetic acid
• Butanal
• Carbon disulfide
• Ethanol
• Formaldehyde
• Glycol ethers
• Methylene chloride
• Phthalates
• Terpenes

What products emit VOCs?

VOCs can be found in a range of household and commercial products and materials, such as paints and paint supplies, varnishes, solvents and cleaners and other household products, building materials, cosmetics, aerosol sprays, craft supplies and air fresheners. Simply put: if something has a chemical smell to it, it may be due to VOCs being released. That said, not all VOCs produce an odor.

Effects of VOCs

The effects of VOCs depend on the VOC itself (there are thousands), its level of volatility, and period and degree of exposure. Light exposure to VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, and can also lead to headaches and nausea. More concentrated exposure to VOCs can increase the risk of cancer and damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system.

Reducing VOC exposure by choosing safer options like hardwood flooring

Because of all the time we spend in our homes, reducing our exposure to VOCs becomes extremely important. While the effects of VOC exposure can be harmful, reducing and eliminating prolonged exposure only takes a few informed steps.

• Replace wall-to-wall carpeting with a VOC-free flooring option.
  New carpets are often treated with chemicals that contain VOCs that can last for years, and can even act as a sponge for other household contaminants. When deciding which flooring option is best for a healthy home environment, hardwood flooring is an excellent choice.
  
  
• Increase ventilation in your home.
  The biggest problem with VOCs in the home is that they linger in the air - without a way to properly dissipate. Simply opening your windows while you clean can greatly reduce exposure.
  
  
• Use “green” or eco-friendly products, whenever possible.
  By actively seeking out cleaning products with safer ingredients, you are helping to make your home a healthier environment. Look for products that are certified by third parties, such as Safer Choice and GREENGUARD. Bona has received Safer Choice certification from the Environmental Protection Agency for ten of its floor and surface-cleaning products. Bona floor cleaners are waterbased and biodegradable, and are phthalate and paraben-free.
  
  Bona Floor Polishes are GREENGUARD certified, which means they meet GREENGUARD standards for low chemical emissions into indoor air during product usage. For more information visit https://www.ul.com/resources/ul-greenguard-certification-program.
  
  Bona is proud to be an industry leader when it comes to providing floor cleaners as well as other cleaning products that are safer for people, pets and the planet.
  
  
• Use exhaust fans.
  Long-term exposure to VOCs increases without proper ventilation in your home. Using exhaust fans helps in the reduction of airborne VOCs. Remember to only use exhaust fans when needed - just long enough to eliminate the smell. Excessive use of exhaust fans can create a space that draws in unwanted air.
  
  
• Consider using air filtration systems, activated carbon air purifiers or both.
  Do note that certain air purifiers remove particles from the air, but do not remove VOCs, so be sure to investigate the details concerning the air purification process as well the filters before you make an investment.
  
  
• Switch to solid wood products.
  Many furniture products that contain particle board or treated wood probably contain VOCs. If possible, switch to wood furniture made from solid, untreated wood.
  
  
• Use and store VOC products properly.
  When using products containing VOCs, try to buy just enough to avoid prolonged storage. If you need to store materials like paint supplies and other building materials, it’s best to store them outside of your main living space, like a detached shed or garage.
  

While VOC exposure can seem inevitable, prolonged exposure is definitely avoidable. Be sure to make informed judgments on the products you use in your home and follow these simple steps to keep your home clean, beautiful and healthy.

In search of safe cleaning products

Choose Bona cleaning products for all of your floor care needs and look for the Safer Choice Certification. Our products are created to provide sustainable cleaning solutions, without sacrificing effective cleaning power – safer for you, your pets and the planet.

Looking for a floor cleaner that passes the “bare paw” test?

Though they occasionally do, pets were not made to wear socks or shoes. Bona has the perfect solution to safer floor cleaning in homes with pets.