What Are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)?

Hello again and welcome to another edition of Our Voice by Houston Organic Cleaning Service where our goal is to help our clients to live healthier lives while reducing their carbon foot print. Volatile Organic Compounds are a very large group of man-made- chemicals that is emitted as gases at room temperature, from many household products that includes, paints, upholstered furniture, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, all purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, dry cleaned clothes, cleaning disinfectants, cosmetic, cleaning agents, kitchen de-greasing cleaner, adhesives, new flooring, carpet cleaner, pressed wood products, and air fresheners, just to name a few.

While there are outdoor sources of VOC that include but not limited to industrial production, trash burning, vehicle exhaust and pesticides, this post is only focusing on the primary indoor source that you have control over. These chemicals are linked to a host of health problems that includes liver damage, kidney damage, neurological damage, and hormonal disruptions. Common VOC include formaldehyde, benzene, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), methylene chloride and toluene. EPA's Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) studies found levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside. To protect yourself, family, pet and the environment, choose safer choices for your home like zero VOC or low VOC paint, for your painting jobs.

Additionally, look for products with Green Seal or EcoLogo because they meet strict environmental standards, allow new carpet, new furniture and dry cleaned cloths to release VOCs outside before bringing them into your home. Improve ventilation by opening windows and door to allow fresh air inside, when you are cooking, painting or cleaning. Invest in an air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA filters that can help to capture VOC. And avoid storing toxic cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink. Air fresheners and plug-ins are never a good idea to you inside your home because you only end up breathing it in. For more detail information on specific health effects of each specific VOC please visit th Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Toxic Substances Portal.

At Houston Organic Cleaning Service, you can always count on us to use only the healthiest products and ingredients. We go beyond cleaning, we care about the health and well being of our clients and the environment at large. As always, we thank you for visiting us today and hope you visit often. If you are looking for a cleaning service, call us today 713 705 8314. We are always 100% toxic free, 100% fragrance free, 100% chemical free and 100% allergen free. Safe for the environment. Until next time…