3 Top Tips for Avoiding Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can evaporate at room temperature. They’re in many cleaners, glues, pesticides, paints, air fresheners, and fuels. They include xylene, acetone, toluene, benzene, and formaldehyde. These substances can lead to fatigue, dizziness, asthma symptoms, headaches, and many other health problems. Fortunately, you can avoid VOCs by using natural products, adding ventilation, and getting some houseplants for your Augusta, Georgia, home.

Use Natural Products

You can replace many commercial products that contain VOCs with natural alternatives. Instead of air fresheners, use potpourri or essential oils. You can also bake some brownies or simmer a few orange slices or cinnamon sticks on your stove. You can clean many surfaces with water and baking soda, and olive oil with lemon juice makes an excellent furniture polish. You can also buy VOC-free or nontoxic paints and other materials.

Add Ventilation

An energy recovery ventilator removes VOCs along with stale air. It also runs like a heat pump to conserve energy and help you lower your utility bills. Exhaust fans for your kitchen and bathrooms can get rid of VOCs as well. If you’re painting a room or using a lot of cleaners, make sure you open a door or window. You should also take frequent breaks outside to minimize your exposure to VOCs.

Get Some Houseplants

Houseplants can absorb VOCs along with carbon dioxide. They’re an easy, inexpensive way to avoid these contaminants and make your home look more welcoming and attractive. Chrysanthemums and spider plants can lower benzene levels, and aloe vera or large-leafed philodendrons reduce formaldehyde. To make them more effective, place one or two plants in each room. Too many in one place can raise humidity levels and encourage pests or biological growth.

Plunkett Heating & Air has been providing heating, air conditioning, and indoor air quality services since 1958. We’re a Trane Comfort Specialist, and we can help you install a variety of equipment. For excellent service, call us today.

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