How to Reduce Exposure to VOCs and Chemicals
Posted in Air Quality, on December 17, 2024
Many different factors affect your home’s air quality, but two of the largest categories are VOCs and chemical pollutants. SafeAir helps homeowners identify these factors through science-based home air quality testing that assesses your home’s unique risks. Reducing your exposure to chemical pollutants has many benefits, such as eliminating adverse health effects like headaches or respiratory complaints. Air quality testing in Toronto can identify what VOCs or chemicals affect your home and help you find solutions for a healthier, better air environment.
Understanding VOCs and Chemical Pollutants
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Do you know what VOCs or chemical pollutants affect the average home? Most folks don’t, but this is where SafeAir can help! Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs as they’re more commonly referred to, are common gasses that are emitted by some solids or liquids at room temperature. The scent of orange or lemon zest is an example of a non-harmful VOC, but plenty of materials, products, and solutions include other, more harmful versions.
The most common sources of VOCs are paints, cleaning products, air fresheners, and new materials like furniture and carpets. New car smell? That comes from off-gassing textiles, plastics, and other materials.
The health risks of VOCs vary from the short to long term. You may quickly feel stuffed up, wheezy, or headachy, which can lead to further respiratory problems, allergic reactions, or long-term effects.
Steps to Reduce Exposure to VOCs and Chemicals
The good news is VOCs and other harmful chemicals can often be eliminated using through simple habit shifts or consumer changes. SafeAir’s top tips include:
- Ventilating your home: Open windows, use exhaust fans and ensure proper airflow.
- Choose low-VOC products: Many paints and cleaning solutions are now sold as low-VOC or VOC-free.
- Safe storage: If you are storing products like solvents or pesticides, ensure the containers are tightly sealed, stored well away from living areas, and properly stored away from children or heat sources.
- Buy a HEPA air purifier: HEPA filters are an excellent tool for reducing VOCs and capturing other types of air pollution.
The Role of Air Quality Testing
Air quality testing in Toronto is a professional methodology that does an in-depth assessment of your home’s air environment. It is about more than identifying a strange smell; careful readings, tests, and physical inspection come together to address problems that may be causing you illness or discomfort.
At SafeAir, our testing services will pinpoint areas where VOCs concentrate, signalling the need for greater ventilation or mitigation strategies. The customized action plan that we generate will help you understand your indoor environment and know where, for example, more ventilation is needed, or prophylactic action may reduce the likelihood of mold growth. Testing today, even if there are no visible or olfactory signs, may help ensure your long-term safety by catching emergent risks or identifying problem areas.
Why Choose SafeAir for Air Quality Testing in Toronto
If you’re considering having an air quality test of your home, here’s why SafeAir would love to work with you:
- We provide expert analysis through advanced tools and testing methodologies that even detect minor VOCs or allergens.
- Over a decade of experience has helped us hone our skills and left thousands of happy clients living in healthier and happier environments.
- We’ll give you peace of mind — so you can move in, welcome a new family member, or take care of mom and dad knowing that your home is a safe and healthy environment.
Take Control of Your Air Quality Today!
Reducing exposure to VOCs and chemicals is an important aspect of modern living and maintaining a healthy and happy home. SafeAir makes the first step easy by offering stress-free home air quality testing in the GTA. Breathe cleaner air by scheduling your air quality test with the SafeAir team online or by phone - call us at 416-414-5690 or use our contact page.