There’s a lot of awareness building through the news right now. Northern Californians have always been on the forefront of healthy, living and environmental awareness, and I’m excited to see a trend toward healthier living taking root in other areas around the country.
I wrote a blog post a number of years ago about VOC off gassing and the steps that we take with our clients to reduce their exposure to toxic chemicals and to create cleaner healthier environment in their homes.
There are a lot of catch words that are gaining traction right now – these are words that we have not heard much before because of limited research supporting it and perhaps existing research being held back from the masses. I’m referring to words like endocrine disruptors (EDCs), hormone blockers, volatile compounds, environmental toxicity – explanations for product ingredients that are now proven to cause obesity, infertility, premature puberty, and are being linked to diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. These are some serious terms and links to some terrible stuff. Brings to mind the Thalidomide disaster of the 50s. Women trusted that the products that are being recommended to them were safe, when in reality they caused tragic defects in babies. The things coming to light these days are not so much different and it is very concerning.
So how do we remove these things from our environment and our personal space?
- Choose better products. The first step to preventing the OC off gassing is to not bring toxic items into your home in the first place. When I first started seeing organic mattresses and organic flooring and all of these things popping up I thought it was a little scammy. Turns out there’s some pretty substantial research behind these trends. Look for items labeled low VOC or Green Guard Certified – they have been tested to ensure they emit “fewer” harmful chemicals. Avoid fragrances and reduce plastic in your home.
- Let them breathe. Allow carpeting and furniture – and anything really – to off-gas before you bring it inside. Sunshine is the key to speeding this up out of doors.
- Clean your fabrics. Bring in a professional to heat up, agitate and add humidity to your carpet and upholstery. This speeds up the process. Open windows during this process in order to:
- Increase Ventilation. Time and air flow are your strongest weapons against off gassing. Clean them and then add a ton of air flow while things are drying. Once they are dry:
- Control Temperature and Humidity. Higher temperatures and humidity can accelerate VOC off-gassing. Keep your indoor environment cool and dry with air conditioning or a dehumidifier to slow down the release of these chemicals into your indoor air. Then add some natural incredible air cleaners:
- Place Indoor Plants. Certain houseplants, such as peace lilies, spider plants, and Boston ferns, may help absorb some airborne toxins, including VOCs. While they won’t eliminate all off-gassing effects, they can contribute to cleaner indoor air. Combine the houseplants with:
- Activated Charcoal. Activated charcoal is another excellent absorber of VOCs. Place bowls of activated charcoal around the room, especially near the new carpet or furniture, to help capture airborne chemicals.
- Avoid Synthetic Fragrances. While it may be tempting to mask new carpet or upholstery odors with air fresheners or deodorizer, many contain additional VOCs that increase poor indoor air quality. Just because it smells good, doesn’t mean it is. Instead, use essential oil diffusers or simmer natural ingredients like citrus peels and cinnamon on the stove.
VOCs from new carpets and upholstery can negatively impact indoor air quality and health, but by taking proactive steps, you can reduce exposure. Prioritizing low-VOC products, increasing ventilation, using natural odor absorbers, and maintaining a controlled indoor environment can all contribute to a healthier home. If you or your family experience persistent health issues related to off-gassing, consider consulting an indoor air quality specialist for further recommendations.
