Airborne Chemicals -- 5 Ways To Avoid Volatile Organic Compound Chemicals

We are exposed daily to hundreds of products that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

. These compounds emit chemicals which vaporize at room temperature (65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit).

Breathing these vapors is a major health risk. Some examples of products that contain these compounds are paint, varnish, wax, solvents, household cleaning supplies, building materials, copiers, and printers, glues, photographic solutions, new wood furniture, upholstery, pressed wood furniture, new carpet, second hand cigarette smoke, moth balls, gasoline and diesel fumes, and the list goes on and on.

It is obvious from the list above that is almost impossible to completely avoid many of these products. Here are 5 ways to minimize your exposure and decrease the long term health risks.

Choose Green Products--Use chemicals in your home and office that are environmentally responsible and use fewer of the offending chemicals that are often responsible for the problem. Check product labels before purchasing to avoid products containing Formaldehyde, Toluene, Methylene, Chloride, Xylene, Benzene Ethylene glycol.

Properly Dispose of Chemicals--Throw away unused chemicals rather than storing them and allowing the offending compounds to vaporize into your air. Your local landfill will have a special area designated for chemical disposal. Proper disposal is critical to avoid contaminating the ground and water supply.

Increase Ventilation--When using products known to contain these harmful substances, use outdoors, or with increased ventilation to reduce your exposure.

Climate Control--Control temperature and humidity to decrease the amount of off gassing that occurs at higher temperature and humidity levels.

Use an Air Cleaner--Eliminate your daily exposure by using a high efficiency particle arresting air purifier with a filter that is designed to remove airborne chemicals. This will maintain a constant and permanently high level of indoor air quality.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has found that the levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside. This has been found to be true regardless of whether the homes were located in rural or highly industrial areas.

by: Debbie Davis

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