How to get rid of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

How to get rid of volatile organic compounds

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are gases that emit from sure substances. There are thousands of products in the world that emit these gases, but unfortunately, they tin take adverse effects on a person'south lung health.

Common sources of VOC exposure include the following:

  • Paints

  • Nail polishes

  • Carpeting

  • Adhesives

  • Aerosol sprays

  • Household cleaners

  • Air fresheners

  • Pesticides

  • Craft supplies

  • Solvents and wood preservatives

How VOCs Touch on Indoor Air Quality

Due to the enclosed nature of indoor spaces, information technology'southward normal for the VOC concentration in the air to be up to 10 times higher than outdoors.

This is a major contributor to health problems such as sick building syndrome, an disease ordinarily experienced by function workers. This health problem is acquired by poor ventilation in a building, which allows volatile organic compounds and carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide to build up in the air.

Any indoor space with inadequate ventilation can cause this sickness. Symptoms to look for include the following:

  • Eye irritation

  • Itchy or swollen pharynx

  • Irritated, uncomfortable nasal passages

  • Headaches

  • Pare rashes

  • Nausea

  • Fatigue

  • Unexplained dizziness

  • Shortness of breath

  • Memory impairment

  • Lung discomfort

It's important to retrieve that not all of these organic compounds are equally toxic. Some may cause symptoms immediately, but others may have no effect at all.

Removing VOCs From Indoor Air


Increase Ventilation

The problem of exposure to these chemicals can be lessened past ensuring that all indoor spaces have sufficient air flow and ventilation. Homes with key air and heating can install special air filters that are designed to reduce VOC levels indoors, and many buildings can benefit from periodically opening windows to allow fresh air circulation.

Before opening windows, however, information technology is important to check the outdoor air quality. Some areas of the world experience persistent heavy particle pollution, and these areas volition not benefit from circulating outdoor air.

Install an Air Purifier

Portable air purifiers are a great manner to lower the concentration of potentially dangerous organic chemicals in a dwelling house or office setting. Many incorporate multiple filters that can not only trap large particles such equally grit and droppings only also nanoparticles that most VOCs are fabricated of.

Some styles of air purifiers tin can even be linked to compatible indoor air quality monitors, which is helpful for lowering the run a risk of health problems associated with animate in these hazardous chemicals.

Add Potted Plants to the Building

Believe it or not, some researchers have noted that certain species of potted plants are constructive for VOC removal. Greenery such as bromeliad, jade plant and dracaena accept been shown in controlled studies to absorb certain chemicals released into the air, which prevents them from causing lung distress.

While the research into using these plants as natural air purifiers is withal ongoing, houseplants like these can have a positive impact on a person'southward mental and physical wellness beyond air purification. This ways that it tin exist beneficial to invest in some potted plants regardless.

Never Allow Cigarette Smoke Indoors

Cigarette smoke is full of toxic chemicals such equally formaldehyde, benzene and over lxx other chemicals known to cause lung cancer. Even if the person smoking opens a window for ventilation, the secondhand fume can however seep into walls, flooring, and furniture.

The best style to eliminate the risks associated with cigarette smoke is to never allow it indoors. If a home or building previously belonged to a smoker, information technology's important to wash every nonporous surface, alter every air filter and supervene upon all linens, carpeting, and article of furniture.

Choose a Good Dry out Cleaner

Dry cleaners use a variety of chemicals to make clean clothing. If the chemicals are not properly removed from the fabric before they are returned to the client, that person will exist animate in VOCs whenever he or she puts on the garment.

When clothes are returned from a dry out cleaner, they should non retain a chemical smell. If they do, the compounds used to clean the garments were not properly removed from the fabric. It'due south recommended to ask for proper drying from the establishment or to seek out a new dry cleaner.

Common Questions About VOCs

Practise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) scent?

The short answer to this question is that VOCs do smell. Nonetheless, there are many cases where the chemical compound gives off a fresh or pleasant smell, so a person cannot rely on scent to know whether or not a substance is releasing harmful chemicals into the air. This is why indoor air quality monitors are important.

How tin can employees minimize VOC exposure in an office edifice?

If possible, installing a portable air purifier on or near a workspace is a good way to lower the concentration of dangerous chemicals in the air. It tin likewise exist helpful for a person to station his or her desk-bound away from printers and copy machines because these are known to release higher levels of chemicals.

Practise VOCs get trapped in walls and rug?

Dangerous chemicals can non simply go trapped in carpeting, merely they tin also be used in the industry of certain types of carpet. When installing new rug, it's wise to await for those that are certified dark-green or organic because they are much safer than those fabricated of traditional materials.


Resource

  • [1] https:world wide web.epa.govindoor-air-quality-iaqvolatile-organic-compounds-touch-indoor-air-quality

  • [ii] http:axial.acs.org20160902volatile-organic-compounds-plants

  • [3] https:www.greenbuildermedia.comiaq7-common-air-pollutants-and-how-to-remove-them

  • [4] https:www.researchgate.netpublication275344400_Performance_of_Air_Cleaners_for_Removing_Multi-Volatile_Organic_Compounds_in_Indoor_Air

  • [v] https:www.epa.goviris

  • [half dozen] https:www.epa.govindoor-air-quality-iaqindoor-air-pollution-introduction-wellness-professionals-printable-version