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Stay Away From Volatile Organic Chemicals

November 15, 2018

Volatile organic chemicals, also called VOCs, evaporate at room temperature. They’re in many types of paint, fuel cleaning supplies, caulk, and air freshener. They include formaldehyde, acetone, ethanol, benzene, and xylene. VOCs can lead to headaches, dizziness, rashes, asthma symptoms, and other problems. You can stay away from volatile organic chemicals by using natural products, adding houseplants, and increasing your Opelika, Alabama, home’s ventilation.

Use Natural Products

You can make your own cleaners and air fresheners instead of exposing yourself to the volatile organic chemicals in commercial products. It’s an excellent way to reduce your expenses as well. Simmer some cinnamon, orange slices, or cloves on your stove, make your own potpourri, or use natural essential oils. Olive oil with lemon juice makes a great furniture polish, and you can clean many surfaces with just water and baking soda.

Add Houseplants

Placing a couple of plants in each room will improve your home’s indoor air quality while looking attractive and welcoming. Many houseplants absorb volatile organic chemicals, and they can increase oxygen levels in your home. Use aloe vera to eliminate benzene and formaldehyde. Chrysanthemums, spider plants, peace lilies, Chinese evergreens, and many other plants can help you reduce VOCs as well.

Increase Your Ventilation

If you’re using paints, cleaners, pesticides, or other substances with volatile organic chemicals in your home, open the doors and windows. You should also turn on the exhaust fans in your bathrooms and kitchen. You can keep small amounts of VOCs from building up over time with an energy recovery ventilator. It works like a heat pump to transfer heat away from stale air while removing it. That way, you can stay comfortable without wasting energy.

Sensigreen is a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, and we received the Carrier President’s Award in 2018. We can help you raise your indoor air quality and keep your home healthy with a variety of heating and cooling equipment. For outstanding service from our experienced experts, call us at (334) 366-9237.

Image provided by Shutterstock

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