Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) impact your home’s indoor air quality. VOCs are gases that some liquids and solids release. Breathing VOCs can lead to short-term and long-term health problems. Keep reading to learn more about the dangers of VOCs and indoor air quality solutions to keep you and your family safe in your Mountain City, GA home.
What Are the Sources of VOCs?
Most sources of VOCs come from common household products. These products appear harmless, but they have the potential to harm your health when used often. Examples of VOCs include:
- Cleaning solutions
- Disinfectants
- Aerosol sprays
- Air fresheners
- Paint
- Hobby supplies like glue and permanent markers
This list isn’t all-inclusive, but it gives you a good idea of common household items that could have high VOCs.
Reducing your household’s exposure to VOCs can improve respiratory illness symptoms, fatigue, and brain fog and decrease the chances of lung cancer and damage to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. Studies done with animals have shown increased cancer rates when exposed to VOCs. In addition, other studies have found that the VOCs formaldehyde and benzene are “proven or possible human carcinogens.” Limiting exposure or eliminating it all together keeps your family healthier.
Indoor Air Quality Solutions that Remove VOCs
Your average particle filter isn’t your best defense against VOCs. What you need is an air purifier that uses an activated carbon filter. This type of filter is your most powerful option for trapping dangerous gases and eliminating threats from VOCs.
How to Reduce Your Exposure
Installing air purifiers with activated carbon is a great protective measure, but you should also choose household products with low VOCs. Do the following to reduce your family’s exposure to VOCs:
- Purchase low VOC paints
- Ventilate the area while using chemicals
- Throw out old chemicals
- Buy what you need of paint, gasoline for lawn mowers, or kerosene for space heaters and no more
- Follow label instructions precisely
Don’t ignore the associated dangers of volatile organic compounds. Call Radlee Heating and Cooling to learn more about indoor air quality solutions to keep your household healthier!
