Poor Air Quality

You may not know it, but you may have one or more items in your home right now that are contributing to poor air quality. Reducing the amount of harmful products in your home can help you and your family breathe easier—and that’s for the best! Read on to discover what items to watch out for, and how you can cultivate a healthier indoor environment everyone can enjoy.

Do you have any of these items in your home?

• Air fresheners
• Cleaning products
• Open paint cans
• Scented candles

A scented candle may sound like something that will improve the atmosphere of your home, but it’s not so simple. If you said yes to any of the above, you could be releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air your family is breathing, which can negatively affect their health.

What are VOCs, and Why Should I Worry?

Certain solids or liquids let off gaseous emissions. Products with ingredients like chlorine, bromine, fluoride, benzene, and formaldehyde more easily turn to vapor and can be harmful to the health of any humans nearby. Coming into contact with these substances can result in eye, nose, and throat irritation. Headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness can also be symptoms of overexposure to VOCs. Finally, individuals with sensitive skin may experience an allergic skin reaction when exposed to VOCs.

Where VOCs Come From

VOCs can be found in the air indoors and outdoors. Some of these sources continue to produce VOCs when they are stored or transported. Some of the more familiar VOCs include benzene, formaldehyde and toluene.

Indoor Sources

Building materials:

• Paint, paint strippers
• Varnishes and finishes
• Caulks and sealants
• Adhesives
• Flooring, carpet, pressed wood products

Home & personal care products:

• Cleaners and disinfectants
• Furniture
• Pesticides
• Air fresheners
• Cosmetics and deodorants
• Fuel oil, gasoline

Outdoor Sources

• • Gasoline
  • Diesel emissions
  • Wood burning
  • Oil and gas extraction and processing
  • Industrial emissions

Air Duct Cleaning Importance

It’s up to you to decide what products you want in your home. Thankfully, there’s a lot you can do to mitigate the effects of VOCs. Great ventilation and external storage for these products is a good start. But, keep in mind that air from your home is recirculated through your HVAC system up to seven times a day. Having a professional clean your air ducts can help cut down on any pollutants stowed away in your system.