Your Home and Air Quality

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of individual organic chemicals found in solid and liquid form in your home.  VOC emissions are either found in solid form like building materials, furniture, fixtures, fittings & finishes OR in liquid form from activities like smoking and using heaters. Over time these toxic vapours are slowly released into the air in your home. They are not detectable by your human senses; touch, sight, smell or taste. VOCS pass through air filters and purifiers, making them difficult to remove. They are hazardous to human health through inhalation. Room temperature and humidity also have an effect on the levels. VOCs are released during material/product manufacture, installation, consumer use and disposal.  Landfill sites emit high levels of VOCs directly into the atmosphere causing exterior air pollution. Try to limit the amount of exposure to sources of VOC through careful planning of your interior environments. Everything you buy for your home could contribute to poor air quality through VOC emissions. Think natural materials, certified organic and 100% chemical & synthetic free.  So quiz the manufacturer for VOC content!

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