5 Sources of VOCs In the Home That You May Not Be Aware Of
What is the indoor air quality of your home? If you’re like many people, you probably think that as long as your home smells fresh, the air quality within your home must be good. However, this isn’t true. Not many people are aware that their homes contain high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Exposure to VOCs has been shown to result in both short and long-term health problems including the development of various forms of cancer. Understanding the sources of VOCs in the home is the first step to protecting your health and that of your household.
- Manufactured furniture
Many people are investing in ready-to-assemble furniture as it is convenient. You simply order online and have it delivered to your home where it can be assembled in a matter of minutes. This furniture often features formaldehyde, a carcinogenic VOC. Formaldehyde is present in resins, preservatives, and sealants used in pressed wood products such as desks, cabinetry, beds, and bookshelves.
- Nail polish remover
Getting ready for a day of self-care? This may involve various activities including doing your nails. That bottle of nail polish remover may be efficient at getting rid of the nail polish from your nails but will expose you to acetone, a VOC. Acetone is also present in various types of furniture as it is used as furniture polish.
- Mothballs
Mothballs come in very handy when you want to protect your clothes and other precious items from the destruction that moths and other insects can cause. However, mothballs can be the cause of health problems. These balls contain dichlorobenzene which is VOC. This VOC is a common ingredient in other deodorizers too.
- Your clothes
There’s nothing quite as refreshing as the smell of clothes that have just come from the laundry. Having clothes dry-cleaned will help to preserve them for longer. However, it will also expose you to perchloroethylene, a VOC. It is responsible for the strong odor that dry-cleaned clothes have.
- Your carpets
Carpets and the padding beneath the carpets are a source of VOCs in the home. Not only do carpets feature VOCs in the preservatives and fixatives used in their manufacture but also in the adhesives used to fix them in place during installation.
Many products within the home are known to emit VOCs. The best way to protect your health and improve indoor air quality is by improving the ventilation of your home. EZ breathe provides an easy and efficient way to ventilate your home and reduce your exposure to VOCs.
Contact the Professionals at EZ Breathe Today! 866-822-7328
