Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that evaporate into the air at room temperature. VOCs can irritate and even inflame your respiratory system. Modern medicine also links them to serious long-term health conditions, including cancer and heart disease.

Indoor Air Quality Testing

If you’re concerned about VOCs and other pollutants in your home, schedule an indoor air quality test. Through professional testing, you can identify issues with VOCs and other chemicals and gases. You can also recognize problems with particulate matter and explore ways to lower the presence of contaminants and avoid them in the future.

Choosing Products for the Home

Air toxins can enter a home from the outside, but much of the problem has internal sources. Another benefit of consulting with a professional is examining the choices you make for your household. Chemical cleaners and deodorizers, for instance, can introduce significant levels of VOCs in a home. You should always store paints, solvents, and similar materials outside the living areas. Homeowners should also pay particular attention to the furniture and furnishings they choose. Certain drapes and particle board furniture, for instance, can off-gas VOCs for weeks and even months.

Inspecting and Cleaning Fuel-Burning Appliances

Homes with fuel-burning appliances require regular inspections. It’s necessary to clean the equipment, check the exhaust systems, and check any carbon monoxide detectors. This applies to the following fuel-burning devices:

• Stoves
• Boilers
• Furnaces
• Fireplaces
• Water heaters

Ventilation Assessments

Having some VOCs in the home is almost unavoidable. However, ensuring low concentration levels through proper ventilation is just as important as avoidance and removal. Some households rely exclusively on passive ventilation during the winter and summer, which may not be enough. Adding ceiling fans for increased circulation may help. For regular influxes of fresh air, you may need to consider a whole-house fan.

Ductwork Cleaning

Dust is an obvious allergen but it’s a lot worse for indoor air quality than many people realize. One reason is that it absorbs VOCs, extends their life spans, and continues to release them into the home over time. Deep dusting at least once a week is imperative. You must also consider that dust builds up in your ducts where you can’t easily clean it. Most households will need professional duct cleaning every three to five years.

Active Air Purification

The best defense against VOCs is active air purification. Traditional air purifiers often have activated carbon to absorb VOCs and other gases and chemicals. A more modern approach is to use ozone-free ionization. Ionizers disperse negatively charged ions into the home. Those ions bond with the VOCs and make them inert so that they can no longer cause harm.

If you want to learn more about removing VOCs from your home in Levittown, PA, contact us at McHales today.