Maintaining good indoor air quality (IAQ) is essential for health and safety. However, it can be a challenge because of the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These organic chemicals are substances made of carbon and other elements, and they include nearly all carbon-based compounds except carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
Volatile organic emissions are found in many common household items, and they vaporize at room temperature. Because of this, concentrations are generally much higher at home than elsewhere. And while it is impossible to avoid emissions entirely and achieve perfect air quality, it is possible to limit VOC exposure, as well as the health effects and environmental damage caused by chemical emissions.
The first step toward achieving this is awareness. It is important to learn which VOCs are the most common and how to avoid them in order to keep IAQ at the highest possible level. It is also important to carry out frequent assessments of VOC concentrations in the home to ensure acceptable air quality and avoid overexposure to VOC emissions.
Here is a list of common volatile organic compounds:
Acetone
A fairly powerful chemical, acetone is found in common products such as nail polish remover, furniture polish and wallpaper. Yet acetone is not only one of the most common VOCs, it is also harmful to human health in high doses. However, alcohol-based nail polish removers and water-based furniture polishes are common and much safer alternatives.
Acetic acid
The most common source of this chemical is vinegar, although most vinegars contain less than 4% of this compound, which makes them safe. But high doses of these organic gases can lead to throat and breathing problems, so be sure to check vinegar-based products to ensure safe exposure levels.
Butanal
While candles, barbecues and gas stoves create a pleasant atmosphere at home, they also increase the presence of butanal, one of the most common volatile organic compounds. The best way to keep butanal from harming IAQ is to keep these activities outdoors, ventilate the home while cooking, and also use beeswax or soy-based candle wicks.
Since it is impossible not to cook at home, consider installing an indoor air quality monitor or carrying out an assessment of volatile organic compound concentrations in the home to make sure the air is safe.
Carbon disulfide
This particular VOC is found in chlorinated tap water, which those who live in a large city most likely drink. To avoid exposure and reduce concentrations in the body, use a charcoal or carbon filtration system, or drink only bottled water.
Ethanol
Present in many cleaning products, this VOC is hard to avoid. Glass cleaners, dishwasher detergents, laundry detergents and many other cleaners all contain ethanol, so the best way to avoid them and maintain IAQ is to open the windows while using them or to install an air filtration system in the home.
Alcohol
Often called isopropanol or isopropyl alcohol, this is a common solvent for household and professional use. It is often used as a disinfecting agent, and it also evaporates quickly, which makes it easy for large amounts to build up in the home. Make sure you have adequate ventilation to maintain air quality, and consider using respiratory protection when using alcohol in enclosed spaces.
Formaldehyde
This is by far one of the most common VOCs, mainly because it is present in everyday products such as molded plastics and varnishes. Avoid heating plastics, and limit the use of plastic in general in order to keep formaldehyde concentrations low. When buying finishing products, check that they do not contain formaldehyde, and when they do, be sure to use these products in well-ventilated areas.
Methylene chloride
Also known as dichloromethane, this is one of the most common VOCs. It is present in paint strippers, aerosol solvents and other flame-retardant chemicals. It is particularly dangerous, although it rarely exists in high concentrations, mainly because of its rapid evaporation rate. Yet at home it is easier for it to build up, which makes adequate ventilation essential when using products containing methylene chloride.
Living with VOCs
Unfortunately, VOCs are a part of life, and there are too many to list them all. Be aware that these organic chemicals are present in common substances, such as paint and cigarette smoke, and also limit the levels of these aromatic hydrocarbons by implementing creative prevention strategies, such as growing plants that remove VOCs from the home. Awareness plus prevention, along with frequent assessments, are the only ways to maintain air quality and stay safe from VOCs.