What is VOC? VOCs—short for volatile organic compounds—are chemicals that can be found in loads of household cleaning products, furnishings, pesticides, and more. They are “gasses that are emitted into the air from products or processes,” states the American Lung Association.  

Know that new car smell? That’s the smell of VOCs! VOCs are all around us and can negatively impact respiratory health long-term—and while we can’t always control what we’re exposed to in the outside world, we can take the necessary steps to protect our Healthy Home and its air from VOCs. 

Common Health Concerns Related to Exposure to VOCs 

Regular exposure to VOCs can bring about several unwanted health symptoms, including: 

• Ear, Nose, and Throat Irritation 
• Headaches 
• Shortness of Breath 
• Cancer 
• Nervous System Damages 

Where VOCs Might Be Lurking in Your Healthy Home 

“There are over 10,000 chemical compounds that can be classified as VOCs . . . many products such as building materials, cleaners, and personal care products use chemicals that can be classified as VOCs,” explains Indoor Air Quality Association Technical Director Ian Cull.  

VOCs can be present in many different products, like scented candles, carpeting, offgassing furnishings, wood stains, paints, and glues—causing a significant threat to your health. 

VOCs in Building Materials 

Today’s homes are often built with materials like paints, stains, caulks, insulation, and flooring that can contain VOCs. Fortunately, many homebuilders nationwide are starting to pivot away from products with VOCs in order to create Healthy Home environments for all. To help, they look for products that have low or no VOCs present and focus on fresh air ventilation solutions to keep air clean and healthy. 

VOCs in Home Care Products 

A clean home is a Healthy Home—but many commonly used cleaning supplies may be adding extra pollutants, like VOCs, into your air! Typically, air fresheners, disinfectants, and aerosol products contain VOCs. In the future, opt for all-natural, organic products for better air quality overall. 

VOCs in Hobbies & Crafts 

Hobbies are great—but certain crafting activities can impact our health due to the presence of VOCs. When using paints, glues, markers, and more, be sure you have the right AprilAire whole-house fresh air ventilation and air filtration solutions in place to help keep your air clear from harsh pollutants. 

VOCs Outdoors 

Though the air inside our homes can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside, VOCs are no stranger to the outdoors! Be wary of gasoline, vehicle emissions, fire pits, and tobacco smoke as they can contain VOCs and impact your respiratory health.

Healthy Home Dos & Don’ts  

Protecting your home and family is easy! 

DO: Opt for all-natural, organic products 

Now that you know the answer to ‘what is VOC,’ be on the hunt for products with low or no VOCs to ensure you’re not exposing yourself to unnecessary chemicals and pollutants. 

DON’T: Purchase furnishings that can offgas 

Stay away from particleboard or plywood furnishings that are known to offgas and emit VOCs. 

DO: Use AprilAire Healthy Air Solutions 

With AprilAire Fresh Air Ventilation which inhales fresh air and exhales dirty air, plus AprilAire Air Filtration which reduces airborne contaminants, like VOCs, and regular cleaning, you can always foster a Healthy Home environment. 

DON’T: Smoke 

Tobacco smoke contains VOCs! In fact, it’s made up of up to 7,000 different chemicals. By quitting, you can better protect your health, as well as improve the health of those around you. 

DO: Research Healthy Home builders 

Find experts who know about VOCs and actively choose not to use them in the building process. 

Final Thoughts 

Now that you know the answer to ‘what is VOC,’ you know how tough it can be to avoid them each day. VOCs are everywhere—but we can take several important steps to protect our Healthy Home, including filling it with Healthy Air! 

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