Home Health Inspections LLC

📞 Service Area Statement:

We proudly serve clients throughout Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom, Island, and San Juan Counties — and will travel anywhere within Washington State as needed.

*Additional travel fees may apply for inspections outside our primary service region.

VOC’s Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – A Homeowner’s Guide to Cleaner Indoor Air

What are VOCs?

VOC’s, or Volatile Organic Compounds, are a large group of chemicals that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature.

  • They are commonly released by household products, building materials, and even daily activities.
  • Some VOC’s are relatively harmless in small amounts, while others can have significant health effects.
  • The problem is that most homes contain multiple sources of VOC’s, and when trapped indoors, the combined exposure can add up.

Even though you may not always smell them, VOC’s are often present in indoor air at levels two to five times higher than outdoors.

Where Do VOC’s Come From?

VOC’s are everywhere in modern life, which is why they’re one of the most common indoor air pollutants. Common sources include:

  • Household products: cleaning supplies, disinfectants, air fresheners, scented candles, and personal care items like hairspray and nail polish.
  • Building materials and furnishings: paints, varnishes, adhesives, caulks, sealants, flooring, and furniture made with manufactured wood.
  • Fuel and combustion: gasoline, kerosene, fireplaces, gas stoves, and tobacco smoke.
  • Office and hobby supplies: printers, markers, craft glues, and solvents.

Because so many sources exist, VOC levels often spike during renovations, after painting, when buying new furniture, or even just after household cleaning.

Why are VOC’s Dangerous?

VOC’s can cause both short-term and long-term health effects depending on the type of chemical, the concentration, and how long you’re exposed.

  • Short-term effects: eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and worsening of asthma symptoms.
  • Long-term effects: some VOC’s, such as formaldehyde and benzene, are known carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals). Others may contribute to liver, kidney, or nervous system damage after prolonged exposure.

Children, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with respiratory conditions are generally more sensitive to VOC exposure.

Why Should Homeowners Care About VOC’s?

Indoor air quality plays a huge role in your overall health. Because VOC’s are so widespread, almost every home contains them — the key is controlling the levels.

  • New homes and recently renovated spaces tend to have higher VOC levels due to fresh paint, flooring, and furniture.
  • Energy-efficient homes that are tightly sealed may trap VOC’s inside, allowing them to accumulate.
  • Using multiple scented or chemical-based household products at once can create unhealthy spikes in exposure.

If you’ve ever felt lightheaded, developed a headache, or experienced irritation while cleaning, painting, or spending time in a freshly renovated space, VOC’s were likely the cause.

What if VOC Levels are High in My Home?

The good news is that VOC exposure can be reduced with a few changes in habits and materials. If your home has high levels of VOC’s, consider these steps:

  • Improve ventilation: open windows, use exhaust fans, and bring in fresh air, especially when using chemical products.
  • Choose low-VOC or VOC-free products: paints, finishes, adhesives, and cleaning supplies now often come in low-emission options.
  • Let new items air out: keep new furniture, carpets, or building materials in a garage or ventilated space before bringing them indoors.
  • Limit unnecessary chemicals: avoid using air fresheners and heavily scented products that contribute to VOC buildup.

Tips for Reducing VOCs in Your Home

  • Store chemicals, paints, and solvents in sealed containers away from living spaces.
  • Avoid smoking indoors — tobacco smoke is a major VOC source.
  • Wash new fabrics (curtains, clothing, bedding) before using to remove chemical residues.
  • Use an air purifier with activated carbon or charcoal filters to help capture VOC’s.
  • Keep indoor humidity and temperature under control; higher levels can increase VOC emissions.

The Bottom Line

VOC’s are a common but manageable indoor air hazard. While it’s impossible to avoid them completely, you can greatly reduce your exposure by making smart product choices, improving ventilation, and practicing good home maintenance.

  • Be mindful of sources: everything from paint to cleaning supplies can contribute.
  • Choose healthier alternatives: low-VOC and natural options make a difference.
  • Ventilate your home: fresh air is one of the simplest and most effective solutions.
  • Protect your family’s health: reducing VOC levels helps create a safer, more comfortable living environment.

A Home Health Inspection that evaluates VOC levels can give you clear insight into your indoor air quality and help you take the right steps toward a healthier home.