Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a large group of carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. While most people can smell high levels of some VOCs, other VOCs have no odor. Odor does not indicate the level of risk from inhalation of this group of chemicals. There are thousands of different VOCs produced and used in our daily lives. Some common examples include:

• Acetone
• Benzene
• Ethylene glycol
• Formaldehyde
• Methylene chloride
• Perchloroethylene
• Toluene
• Xylene
• 1,3-butadiene

Where do VOCs come from?

Many products we have in our homes release or “off-gas” VOCs. Some examples of sources of VOCs are:

Building Materials

• Carpets and adhesives
• Composite wood products
• Paints
• Sealing caulks
• Solvents
• Upholstery fabrics
• Varnishes
• Vinyl Floors

Home and Personal Care Products

• Air fresheners
• Air cleaners that produce ozone
• Cleaning and disinfecting chemicals
• Cosmetics
• Fuel oil, gasoline
• Moth balls
• Vehicle exhaust running a car in an attached garage

Behaviors

• Cooking
• Dry cleaning
• Hobbies
• Newspapers
• Non-electric space heaters
• Photocopiers
• Smoking
• Stored paints and chemicals
• Wood burning stoves

Studies have shown that the level of VOCs indoors is generally two to five times higher than the level of VOC’s outdoors. VOC concentrations in indoor air depend on many factors, including the:

• Amount of VOCs in a product;
• Rate at which the VOCs are released;
• Volume of the air in the room/building;
• Ventilation rate or the area;
• Outdoor concentrations of VOCs.

SO… what now? Simple!…..  Make the change to organic products that are chemical free. For example, the detergents you clean your body, bedding  and home with, the rugs you walk on, sheets and towels you use, food you eat and so on. Open those windows and let the natural light and fresh air cleanse your home instead of chemical ridden “ordor eaters” and srays, but please RECYCLE! You would be amazed at the amount of money your household will save in the long run… Here again are a few examples, bamboo sheets and towels may cost s few more dollars up front but last much, much longer than conventional cotton and silk, instead of  buying bottled water and use eco friendly refillable bottles and choose recycled and bamboo or natural area rugs for your home.