According to the EPA, concentrations of many VOCs are often 10 times as strong inside than outside. What level of VOC is dangerous in your home?
Prolonged exposure to high levels of VOCs can pose significant health risks, making it essential to understand their presence in your living environment.
Today, we’re taking a closer look into the sources of VOCs, their health risks, and how to reduce exposure to maintain a healthy home.
What Are VOCs and Where Do They Come From?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that can easily become gases or vapors, which means they can escape into the air from everyday products. The compounds are found in many household items, and their emissions can contribute to poor indoor air quality.
There are three main sources of VOCs in homes:
- Cleaning products
- Paints, varnishes, and solvents
- Furniture and building materials
Cleaning Products
Many common cleaning supplies, like disinfectants and air fresheners, contain VOCs. When these products are used, they release chemicals into the air. Over time, these compounds can accumulate indoors, especially in areas with poor ventilation. Regular exposure to these VOCs can increase the risk of health problems.
Paints, Varnishes, and Solvents
VOC emissions are also common in paints, varnishes, and solvents. During painting or refinishing, these products release fumes that contain VOCs. Even after they dry, VOCs can continue to off-gas for weeks or even months. It makes home renovations a significant source of indoor air pollution.
Furniture and Building Materials
Furniture, carpeting, and some building materials like plywood or particleboard are often treated with chemicals that contain VOCs. These materials can emit VOCs long after they’ve been installed in a home. This is particularly common in newer homes or spaces that have recently undergone renovation.
What Level of VOC is Dangerous?
VOCs can pose serious risks to your health, especially with long-term exposure.
Exposure to VOCs can lead to breathing problems, particularly in people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Even those without pre-existing conditions can experience irritation in the throat, nose, or lungs. Symptoms often worsen in areas with poor ventilation, where VOCs have more opportunity to build up.
Another common issue with VOC exposure is headaches and dizziness. It’s often caused by being in enclosed spaces with high levels of VOCs, such as freshly painted rooms or areas where cleaning chemicals are frequently used.
Long-Term Conditions
Prolonged or repeated exposure to high levels of VOCs can lead to more serious health problems. Some VOCs have been linked to liver and kidney damage, while others have been associated with certain types of cancer.
Vulnerable groups, like children and the elderly, are at greater risk when exposed to these compounds.
How Do VOCs Impact Indoor Air Quality?
VOCs play a significant role in reducing the air quality inside homes. When these compounds are released from products or materials, they mix with the air and create indoor pollution. Over time, VOCs can build up, especially in areas with poor ventilation, which makes it harder to maintain fresh and clean air.
VOCs also interact with other pollutants, making the air quality even worse. The combination of pollutants can lead to discomfort, irritation, and longer-term health problems for anyone living in the home.
Keeping windows open, using exhaust fans, and selecting low-VOC products are just a few ways to reduce the presence of VOCs indoors.
What Are Dangerous Levels of VOCs in Homes?
VOCs are measured in parts per billion (ppb), and the levels can vary depending on the product or material in your home. Some VOCs are more harmful than others, and understanding what counts as a dangerous level is important for maintaining a safe living space.
Typically, VOC levels below 500 ppb are considered safe for most households. But when levels exceed 1,000 ppb, health risks become more likely, especially for sensitive groups like children or those with respiratory conditions.
To find out the VOC levels in your home, you can use testing kits that measure air quality or hire a professional for an in-depth assessment. Both options provide a clear picture of the concentration of VOCs indoors.
If dangerous levels are found, it’s best to take immediate steps to lower them, such as increasing ventilation and reducing sources of VOCs.
How Can You Reduce VOCs in Your Home?
First, choose products that are labeled as low-VOC or VOC-free. This includes paints, cleaning products, and even furniture. Many manufacturers now offer options that emit fewer harmful chemicals, making it easier to maintain a healthier indoor environment.
Another effective way to reduce VOCs is to increase ventilation. Proper airflow helps remove VOCs from the air before they can build up.
Opening windows, using exhaust fans, and ensuring that areas like bathrooms and kitchens have adequate ventilation can make a big difference in reducing indoor pollution.
Proper storage and disposal of materials that emit VOCs are key. Keep these items in well-ventilated areas or outside the home if possible. Make sure to follow disposal instructions for products like paint or chemicals to prevent unnecessary exposure.
How Can Air Purifiers Help with VOCs?
Air purifiers are an effective way to reduce VOCs in your home, especially if they are equipped with carbon filters. The filters are designed to trap and remove harmful chemicals from the air, including VOCs.
By continuously filtering the air, purifiers help maintain cleaner indoor environments, especially in areas where VOC-emitting products are frequently used.
When choosing an air purifier, it’s important to select one that specifically targets VOCs. Not all purifiers are designed for this purpose, so look for models with activated carbon filters.
They’re the most effective at removing chemical pollutants. It’s also helpful to use purifiers in rooms that have less ventilation or where VOCs are more likely to accumulate, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or recently renovated spaces.
Volatile Organic Compounds Safety: Home Air Quality Tips
Understanding what level of VOC is dangerous is key to maintaining a healthy home.
At Revolutionary Air, we’re proud to provide the best HVAC services and air conditioning service in Wilmington, NC. We work on every type of HVAC system, with a level of professionalism that sets us apart as one of the top choices in the area.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help with your indoor air quality needs!
