Your home should be one of your safest places in your life. Unfortunately, today it is filled with silent killers. The modern home is filled with toxic chemicals lurking in the most unsuspecting of places.
These harmful substances are inconspicuous and can really affect your health if you are not careful. The chemicals we are talking about here are called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.
Educate Yourself
These chemicals are the largest source of indoor pollution. Some of these chemicals that make up volatile organic compounds, or VOCs consist of benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and ethylbenzene. We can barely pronounce most of these, but they are bad news for you and your home.
VOCs are cancer-causing agents, as various studies from humans and animals have shown that these are most likely carcinogenic for humans. A lot of these chemicals are impossible to get rid of or stop exposure to.
Other studies have found that the majority of United States adults and children harbor some type of VOC in their fat tissues. For some it can turn very dangerous or even fatal.
If you or a loved one may have been overly exposed to any of these chemicals, consider seeking legal counsel. After that, equip yourself with the knowledge to counter VOCs and protect your family.
These chemicals we are talking about here are in the air around you and the dust that settles in your home. A group of researchers recently went and took samples in a host of California homes. They detected around 60 chemicals in both the dust and air.
Uncover Your Health Risks
Almost all toxic chemicals in your home are undoubtedly not good for you or your children’s health. When you are putting in a new floor or ripping out some old carpet, the risk for women who are pregnant greatly increases.
There is something called polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that can get kicked up and then brought into the air. These types of floor materials can cause negative health effects.
Young children exposed to VOCs have developed higher risks of asthma or different types of fevers and sicknesses. Again, more studies have been taken that show researchers found an increased risk of health ailments with those who had more VOCs in their homes and specifically in their bedrooms.
Another worrying concern is that studies have shown pregnant women are more likely to have a risk for hyperthyroidism while pregnant. These VOCs can affect the children’s health and intelligence as well.
Determine The Source Of Toxins
The indoor air pollution emanates from multiple places. Exposure to this toxicity can worsen other health issues. Some of these ailments could be raised blood pressure in those with preexisting weight problems. The links between leukemia and lung cancer are also well documented.
Another place you can find many of these carcinogens is in your furniture. A lot of excess formaldehyde can come from various types of wood furniture. These different beds, tables, and chairs can all contribute to unhealthy levels.
Cabinets were found to have high levels of benzene compared to other types of furniture.1 Meanwhile, your couches are filled with toluene. Refrigerators can also contribute to the problem as well.
Remove High VOC Sources
Laminated floors carry formaldehyde. Different types of carpets can build up with toxic chemicals over time as more foot traffic spreads various diseases around it. The walls are filled with it on additional PVC lined wallpaper with polymer materials.
A trend is that many of these seemingly natural things in the home actually contribute to a lot of toxicity. Even some of your cleaning materials and soaps to spruce up the home could be adding more.
These cleaning agents produce terpenes that are widely used to clean commercial places and residential homes. Read the ingredients on the various types of cleaning sprays and liquids you use.
Follow These Safety Tips
The battle is not over for us, even though it seems everything around the house can be toxic or harbor these agents in one form or another.
One of the first things you can do to take action is by growing specific houseplants that get rid of benzene and formaldehyde from the air. Chinese evergreens and peace lilies are just some of the plants that will help rid your home from VOCs.
You can be proactive by replacing your furniture with organic green certified furniture. Check to make sure they have been scrubbed of any VOCs before bringing them into your home.
It takes an overall concentrated effort to rid your house of this seemingly omnipresent phenomenon. Being aware of the problem is the first step.
You will be able to rest easy at night when you have rid your home of these harmful chemicals. You will begin to breath healthier air, and stop disease and ailments from affecting you and your family. All of this knowledge will equip you to battle the ever-present threat of VOCs and make them a thing of the past.
References
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