Reducing VOC Exposure in Your Home
Learn about what VOCs are and how they can impact the air quality of your home.
Reducing VOC Exposure in Your Home
Learn about what VOCs are and how they can impact the air quality of your home.
VOCs can be found in many everyday products, including some household cleaners. Understanding where VOCs can occur and making informed choices about the products you use are practical ways to help reduce VOC exposure in your home. When choosing cleaning products, you can also look for low-VOC options and relevant third-party certifications.
What are VOCs?
VOC stands for volatile organic compound. These are carbon based materials that evaporate and get into the air we breathe at low temperatures. Room temperature is enough for these compounds to get into the air. Since VOCs get into the air so easily, it is the most prominent way we are exposed to these materials.
What products contain VOCs?
VOCs can be found in a range of materials, many of them common household items and cleaners. VOCs can be found in paint supplies, cleaning products, building materials, cosmetics, aerosol sprays, craft supplies and air fresheners.
Effects of VOCs
Effects of VOCs are connected to the length of exposure. Light exposure to VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation. It 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
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, there are practical steps you can take to help reduce exposure.
Increase ventilation
The biggest problem with VOCs in the home is these materials linger in the air, without a way to properly dissipate. Ventilation can help reduce concentrations of some VOCs indoors.
Choose low-VOC products
When choosing household and floor cleaning products, look for specific information about VOC content or emissions and relevant third-party certifications. Certain Bona cleaning products are GREENGUARD certified and meet the certification programme’s applicable criteria for chemical emissions. Look for the certification and product information to find the right option for your home.
Use exhaust fans
Long term exposure to VOCs increase without proper ventilation in your home. Using exhaust fans can help reduce concentrations of some VOCs. Remember to only use exhaust fans when needed—long enough to eliminate the smell. Excessive use of exhaust fans can actually create a space that draws in unwanted air.
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.
Replace carpet
New carpet is often treated with chemicals that contain VOCs. The VOCs in carpet can last for years and can act as a sponge for other household contaminants. If you’re replacing flooring and looking to reduce VOC emissions in your home, consider hardwood or other flooring options with low VOC emissions. Remember to also consider the finishes, adhesives and other products used during installation.
Use and store 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 is best to store them outside of the main living space like a detached shed or garage.
While VOC exposure can seem inevitable, there are practical steps you can take to help reduce your exposure. Be sure to make informed judgments on the products you use in your home and follow simple steps to keep your home clean and beautiful .
Bona products are developed with consideration for both people and the environment. Take a look at our low-VOC floor cleaners to find the right product for your floors and cleaning routine.