5 Reasons you should filter VOC's out of your home
INTRODUCTION
In this article, we delve into the importance of filtering out Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from our living spaces. We will address what VOCs are, their implications on health, how they can be controlled through ventilation and air purification, and five compelling reasons to do so. This is a crucial read for homeowners, especially those with children, pets or who value maintaining an optimal health environment. From enhanced indoor air quality to increased longevity of household items and overall wellbeing, discover why VOC filtration is essential.UNDERSTANDING VOCS
Volatile Organic Compounds, more frequently known as VOCs, are gases emitted from specific solids or liquids. They encompass a variety of chemicals, many of which may have short and long term adverse health effects. VOCs stem from a wide array of products in our homes, such as paints, cleaning supplies, adhesives, air fresheners, and even certain types of furniture.They also occur naturally - plants produce VOCs which lend to their scent. However, levels indoor are typically two to five times higher than outdoors due to reduced ventilation and the concentration of materials that emit VOCs.
Exposure can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, nausea, damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system. Some VOCs are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans. It's important to note that not all VOCs affect health in the same way; effects vary based on the type of compound, amount of exposure over time, and individual sensitivities.
ROLE OF VENTILATION AND AIR CLEANING IN CONTROLLING INDOOR VOCS
Ventilation and air purification play a pivotal role in regulating indoor VOC levels. Proper ventilation, particularly in areas where VOCs are commonly found or used, effectively dilutes the concentration of these compounds. This can be as simple as opening windows to allow outdoor air to circulate within your home or using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.Meanwhile, air purifiers work to actively remove VOCs from your indoor environment. High-quality air purifiers use filters designed specifically for adsorption of VOCs; activated carbon filters tend to excel at this. As contaminated air passes through the purifier, VOCs stick to the surface area of the filter material, cleaning the air before it is recirculated back into the room.
However, not all purifiers equally address all types of VOCs. The efficacy can vary based on the specific type of compound and its concentration along with the individual device’s functionality and capacity. Hence, it's important to explore your options thoroughly before investing.
REASON #1: IMPROVED INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Indoor air quality is a significant factor in our home environment, affecting various aspects from comfort to health. VOCs are one of the primary indoor pollutants contributing substantially to poor air quality. By reducing VOC levels through filtration, we can significantly improve the quality of air we breathe indoors.Cleaner air means fewer impurities that can cause discomfort or health issues, including those associated with VOC exposure like eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and certain allergies. It provides a more comfortable living atmosphere where the risk of airborne diseases may also be lower.
In addition to respiratory benefits, improved air quality devoid of VOCs enhances sleep patterns since clean, fresh air tends to support better sleep. This could lead to greater focus and productivity during waking hours as well.
Moreover, filtering out VOCs helps eliminate odors that can often permeate from household products such as paints or cleaning supplies – providing not just cleaner but also fresher smelling interiors.
REASON #2: LOWER RISK OF HEALTH ISSUES
VOCs are not just air pollutants; they're potential health hazards too. Prolonged or high-level exposure can result in a myriad of health issues, ranging from minor irritations to severe long-term effects like damage to vital organs or even cancer in some cases. By filtering out VOCs from your indoor environment, you significantly lower the risk of these health issues.Firstly, removing VOCs can help prevent immediate effects like eye and throat irritation, nausea, headaches and allergic skin reactions. For people with heightened sensitivity or existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, this reduction may offer substantial relief.
In the long run, lessening contact with VOCs generally reduces the chances of experiencing more serious health problems linked to them—organ damage, neurologic disorders and cancer being among them.
Apart from shielding against known threats presented by VOCs, mitigating exposure also aids in avoiding unknown risks associated with new or emerging volatile compounds. Thus, filtering VOCs amounts to a preventive health investment for you and your loved ones.
REASON #3: SAFER HOME ENVIRONMENT FOR CHILDREN AND PETS
As guardians of our homes, we always want to create safer environments for the most vulnerable members of our household – children and pets. Their bodies are often more susceptible to harmful pollutants, such as VOCs, due to their size and developing systems.Children breathe in more air per pound of body weight than adults do, increasing their exposure proportionately. Similarly, pets, especially those that stay indoors most of the time, can be significantly affected by VOCs due to their heightened olfactory senses and proximity to the floor where these compounds are often most concentrated.
By filtering VOCs out of our homes, we can help decrease this risk they face daily. It reduces potential irritants which may cause discomfort or allergic reactions. It also prevents chronic exposures that could lead to serious long-term health issues.
In essence, ensuring a VOC-free environment is tantamount to reinforcing a shield against invisible threats at home - a welcome precaution when it comes to safeguarding those dear to us.
REASON #4: INCREASED LONGEVITY OF FURNITURE AND ELECTRONICS
In addition to the health benefits, removing VOCs from your home can actually extend the lifespan of furniture and electronics. Certain VOCs can be corrosive or chemically reactive, causing incremental harm to both organic materials like wood and inorganic ones such as metal components in electronic devices.VOCs present in the air are readily absorbed by porous materials such as upholstery, carpets or wooden furniture. Over time, these emissions trapped within degrade material quality, lead to discoloration or even structural compromise.
Furthermore, sensitive electronic systems can also suffer from high VOC levels. The damage could manifest through deterioration of protective coatings, corrosion of internal components or an accumulation of particulates brought about by chemical reactions. While this impact may not surface immediately, it contributes toward gradually shortening the longevity of your possessions.
Therefore, maintaining a low-VOC environment is not just necessary for health reasons alone but doubles as a measure promoting durability and sustainability of household items you cherish and rely upon.
REASON #5: ENHANCED OVERALL WELL-BEING
Beyond specific health benefits or preserving personal belongings, filtering VOCs out of your home positively influences your overall well-being. Breathing cleaner, fresher air can contribute to better mental clarity, mood improvement and increased energy levels.With insignificant VOC levels, you may notice better quality of sleep due to less respiratory discomfort or allergic episodes. A good night's sleep improves not only the subsequent day's productivity but also stabilizes mood and reduces stress.
Moreover, knowing that your home is free from harmful pollutants such as VOCs creates a sense of comfort and peace of mind. This emotional security stems from taking proactive steps to safeguard yourself and your loved ones against potential hazards.
Lastly, indoor plants which freshen up spaces and are known to boost mood thrive better in environments with lesser amounts of pollutants.
To sum it up, having minimal VOC levels in the air we breathe might seem insignificant on the surface yet significantly shapes our day-to-day essence of "Feeling Good."