Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs are chemical gases released from various substances routinely found in Greer, SC, homes. Since these chemicals include paints, cleaners, and countless other standard household products, your home may have VOCs.
Household Products That Contain VOCs
VOCs are in a variety of everyday household chemicals. Some of these include:
- Disinfectants
- Cosmetics
- Air fresheners
- Aerosol sprays
- Nail polish removers
Other VOC-laden household products that you might have in your home include automotive chemicals, dry-cleaned clothing, and moth repellants.
Other Products That Contain VOCs
If you’ve recently renovated your home or have a hobby that uses several chemicals such as woodworking, you might also be exposing yourself to harmful VOCs. These items include wood preservatives, upholstery, and carpeting. You can find others on the EPA’s VOC sources list.
Health Hazards from Short-Term VOC Exposure
If you’ve been remodeling around VOCs for several days, weeks, or months, you might experience upper respiratory irritation, asthma flares, dizziness, nausea, and headache due to reduced indoor air quality. Less commonly, you may have nosebleeds, skin rashes, or fatigue. These symptoms might not immediately improve if you open a window or turn on the air conditioning system.
Health Risks of Long-Term VOC Exposure
If you’ve been chronically exposed to VOCs for several years, you might be more likely to experience damage to your central nervous system, kidneys, or liver. Studies have also linked VOC exposure with some forms of cancer.
Anti-VOCs Actions for Homeowners
As a homeowner, there are several ways you can limit the VOCs that enter your home. If you’re remodeling, consider choosing low-VOC paints and furnishings that have released much of their VOC gasses from sitting out on a showroom floor.
If you’ve finished spring remodeling and refurnishing your home, you can still reduce the amount of VOCs circulating throughout it. Since your home HVAC system helps to maintain your indoor air quality, call Sanders Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning to optimize this critically important system.
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