THE DANGERS OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTION: HOW VOCS CAN HARM YOUR HEALTH
Have you ever noticed a strange smell in your home, office, or school building? The culprit might be VOCs—volatile organic compounds. These are chemicals that can cause serious health problems when they are inhaled over long periods of time. What are the VOC health effects you need to be aware of? That’s what we’ll be taking a look at today.
Where Do VOCs Come From?
VOCs range from paint and nail polish to carpeting, cleaning products, office furniture, glues used in construction materials, and more. The materials used to build interior spaces can all emit VOCs into the air over time.
It is worth noting that many of these chemicals are considered safe by federal regulations but may still result in VOC health effects when people are exposed to them in high doses or for long periods of time – like those who spend their days at work indoors where they breathe this stuff in every day.
The Dangers of VOCs for Your Health
How do VOCs affect human health? Some people are more likely to experience the effects of VOCs than others, but everyone is at risk for some level of long-term damage due to indoor air pollution. Over time, exposure can lead to serious health problems like respiratory issues and cancer.
Common VOC Effects on Human Health
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Eye irritation
- Dizziness
- Allergic reactions
- Asthma attacks
The bottom line?
Some VOCs may be considered safe for human consumption, but they are harmful to your long-term well-being when you breathe them in on a regular basis from indoor air pollution. Due to the well documented volatile organic compound health effects workers have experienced due to exposure in industrial settings, all business owners need to take steps to mitigate their impact.
The VOCs Problem: What to Do About It?
For businesses, the solution is to invest in proper air cleansing systems, such as a VOC air cleaner. This will remove the VOCs from the air, reducing or even eliminating exposure and the health effects that come with it.
If your home or office building has been newly renovated, it might also be worth checking for VOCs like formaldehyde—an ingredient often used in insulation materials during construction projects. If the levels are high enough, consider replacing these materials.
For assistance in finding the ideal solutions for your workplace, turn to IP Systems. To discover more about VOC management, read: How Do VOC Air Purifiers Work?
