FAQ: What are Volatile Organic Compounds? How Dangerous are VOCs?

What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)? Volatile organic compounds are carbon-based and potentially dangerous chemicals that steadily vaporise. They are commonly found in products containing varnish and chemical fire retardants such as bedding and furniture.

Volatile Organic Compounds in the Home

It is estimated that the concentration of potentially harmful VOCs in indoor air is anywhere from 2-5 greater than outdoor air, even in highly-populated or industrial areas. Think about all the things inside your house that is adding to the concentration of volatile organic compounds; there are obvious sources such as second-hand smoke and gas heaters, but did you know that paint, cleaners, wood furniture treatments and even newspapers and your clothes and bedding contribute to VOCs?

Health Concerns of VOCs

Studies indicate that high concentrations of volatile organic compounds such as what are found in the home may contribute to such easily preventable conditions as allergies and asthma or regular headaches. In addition, many of the chemicals found in today's furniture, cloth and other common household products are possible carcinogens and can also cause nervous system problems, liver disease and any number of other serious health conditions.

What You Can Do About Volatile Organic Compounds

While you can't do much about the VOCs in the outdoor air apart from doing your part to limit gasoline consumption, recycle and develop other such earth-conscious habits, you can take a more proactive approach to the VOCs in your home. It is virtually impossible to eliminate all volatile organic compounds in any home, you can significantly reduce them by limiting the products you have that contain them.

Start with basic housekeeping. Those old newspapers, magazines and junk mail hanging around may all be emitting VOCs; clear out the clutter and try to limit products such as permanent markers, rubber cement and moth balls. Next, one of the most acute exposures you have to VOCs in the house come from cleaning chemicals, consider switching to organic, earth-friendly cleaners such as Shaklee products. The other most acute exposure to VOCs actually comes from your clothes and bedding; traditional cotton contains high amounts of chemicals from dyes, pesticides and other man-made chemicals used during the growing process, while polyester and similar fabrics are petroleum-based and have to be treated with chemical fire retardants. Organic mattresses and fabrics are free of these chemicals. Finally, wood furniture treated with varnishes, stains and the like also gas off a lot of VOCs; consider buying organic furniture the next time you need to replace the old coffee table or purchase a new crib in anticipation of a new family member.