VOCs, Formaldehyde and other sources of indoor pollution
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): primary sources of indoor pollution
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are the most well-known chemical pollutants , as there are thousands of them, whether outdoors or directly inside our homes. They are carbon-based molecules, emitted in gaseous form into the atmosphere. Their volatility allows them to spread through the air, sometimes miles from where they are emitted. You don't see them, but they are your roommates and they can originate within your home; significantly degrading indoor air quality!
Generally speaking, the Volatile Organic Compounds ( VOCs ) present indoors come from:
- DIY and decoration products (paint, glue, varnish, etc.).
- home cleaning products (detergents, strippers, stain removers, thinners, methylated spirits, etc.).
- ambient products (candles, incense, etc.).
They cause irritation, dizziness, allergic reactions and respiratory problems… Which can lead to long-term health problems in the event of chronic exposure.
Purify indoor air by reducing the volume of VOCs
You can combine the use of our eco-friendly air purifier (responsible for capturing VOCs) to some good practices which will significantly reduce the presence of these toxic compounds in your home.
Regarding DIY products:
- Please note that since 2010, products for construction, renovation and home decoration label an indoor air VOC emission index , ranging from A+ to C (C being the most emissive in VOCs).
- Ventilate…. we recommend between 2 and 4 weeks minimum (continuously) after painting.
- Ventilate the room when you are doing DIY and as much as possible during the following weeks, from 2 to 4 weeks after painting.
Regarding household cleaning products:
- Prefer eco-friendly products and be careful to respect the recommended dosage on the label. (Many people overuse household products to make their home even cleaner... Certainly, but it will also be more polluted!)
Regarding ambient products:
- Don't overuse it and Ventilate your home regularly to remove VOCs of your interior and purify the air.
Good to know: Tobacco smoke increases the concentration of VOCs.
Formaldehyde, one of the most dangerous VOCs
Formaldehyde is part of the Volatile Organic Compound family . It is known as "formaldehyde" in stores and is recognized by its pungent odor, even at low concentrations. Classified as carcinogenic by the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer), formaldehyde is known worldwide for the manufacture of disinfectants, preservatives, textiles. It is present in paint, varnish, glue ... We too are fully involved in its production through some of our activities such as smoking, wood heating, and burning gasoline.
Regarding indoor air , in addition to formaldehyde-based products, the main source of formaldehyde is wood, chipboard and plywood used for flooring and furniture . They include thermosetting glues based on formaldehyde for their manufacture. Fortunately, since 2002, regulations have imposed a maximum content of formaldehyde .
In any case, Choose solid wood to veneer or plywood, because it emits formaldehyde at a very low concentration. Choose hard oils and natural resins to cover it.
Biological pollutants
In addition to the VOCs , pollutants of biological origin, weaken the air quality of your home.
Clean indoor air by removing biological pollutants
To remove biological pollutants and purify indoor air, Besides using an air purifier, there is no secret, you will need to ventilate! The Ministry of Transition ecological and united recommends renewing the air in your home at least twice a day. To minimize the effects of your furball on your health, also be sure to vacuum your carpets, rugs and prohibit your pet from getting comfortable in your bed or favorite chair as much as possible.
CO2 , CO, lead: other chemical pollutants in our homes
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an extremely toxic pollutant gas. It is created by the combustion of wood, gasoline, oil, coal, natural gas or propane. Generally speaking, you find carbon monoxide in indoor air via home appliances, especially when they are poorly installed :
- boilers and water heaters,
- oil-fired space heaters,
- cooking appliances.
To limit the presence of carbon monoxide, Do not use outdoor appliances inside your home. Don't hesitate to have your heating serviced by professionals and have your chimney swept before winter.
Lead
Lead present in the house can come from old water pipes, old paint or dust from a polluted exterior . Lead poisoning is the worst consequence (attacks the nervous system). In small doses, it can affect the respiratory tract. To avoid deterioration of indoor air by lead, the best thing is to monitor the condition of your wall coverings and combat humidity, the main cause of paint deterioration.
Carbon dioxide ( CO2 )
Finally, CO2 is naturally present in the atmosphere and humans produce it themselves, simply by breathing. However too high a concentration of CO2 indoors, mainly due to a lack of ventilation, can cause fatigue and headaches. Just one piece of advice: air your home regularly.
In addition to these good practices, place a air purifier constitutes the only effective solution for eliminate sustainably VOCs present in indoor air such as the formaldehyde . Increasingly present in our homes, VOCs ( volatile organic compounds ) constitute the primary source of degradation of indoor air quality . As a result? Irritations, respiratory problems or allergic reactions! This is why it is now advisable to purify indoor air and filter these polluting particles to breathe healthy air. The key words for depollute the air interior : Ventilate and purify. Small pad filled with activated carbon, the air freshener Airpurlabs intervenes by capturing and neutralizing the COVs , without noise or need for electricity. To be placed in the house or in the car: with the air purifier Airpurlabs, purify the air becomes simple, efficient & ecological!
Want to know more about our eco-friendly air purifier?
OUR Airpurlabs air purifier effectively reduces the indoor pollution and rapidly improves the indoor air quality . If you also want to clean the air at your home, our experts are at your disposal.