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Reducing Exposure to VOCs in Your Home

Updated: Apr 17


Reducing Exposure to VOCs in Your Home

Understanding VOCs: The Invisible Threat in Your Home

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are released into the air after chemical reactions occur. These unstable compounds emit invisible gases from a wide range of sources. While not all VOCs are harmful—think of the pleasant scents from flowers or trees—many synthetic VOCs used in paints, coatings, adhesives, furniture, building materials, and aggressive cleaning products can pose serious health and environmental risks. These compounds vaporize easily at room temperature, making them a constant yet often overlooked presence in indoor environments.

Interestingly, not all toxic industrial solvents are classified as VOCs, adding another layer of complexity to the topic.

Long-term exposure to VOCs has been linked to toxic buildup in the body, contributing to liver and kidney damage, central nervous system disorders, and an increased risk of cancer. Beyond personal health, VOCs also contribute to air and water pollution and can even accelerate global warming.

In this article, I'll focus on the most common VOCs found in building materials and everyday household items—and explore how certain plants can naturally help reduce indoor VOC levels.


Environmental Working Group


How to Protect Yourself

The first step in reducing your exposure is awareness.    Consider investing in a Smart indoor air quality monitors to detect and alert you to elevated VOC levels in your home.    From there, practical steps like improving ventilation, reducing synthetic fragrances and harsh cleaners, and incorporating air-purifying plants can make a big difference.

Common Household Volatile Organic Compounds.

VOCs in Paint

Health issues associated with paints are similar to the risks associated with volatile organic compounds in cigarette smoke.

Paint with VOCs releases 50% of VOCs in the first year and continues to off-gas proportionally after that.

Professional painters are at a higher risk of developing a serious condition (e.g., liver damage)

Store paint cans are upside down to avoid air leakage and away from children and pets.

VOC-free paints do not include  VOC chemicals in their formulas, resulting in a product that might only have trace amounts.   The EPA defines and recommends "low" as any paint that has less than 250 g/L of VOCs. Opt for low-VOC or zero-VOC paints.

VOCs can be present in the tints, even if not in a base paint mixture.

There is a trend of 83% of sales today toward using water-based paints.

Green thinking enthusiasts use and make clay-based and milk-based paint.

VOC in Cooking

Charcoal Barbecues release more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than gas grills.    During combustion, they emit toluene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and benzene, along with other pollutants these VOCs add to air pollution and harmful health impacts.

Gas stoves release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during operation.    These VOCs, including benzene, hexane, and toluene, can contribute to indoor air pollution, irritate asthma and other health risks.

The Hidden Dangers of Burning Paraffin Candles

Paraffin Wax: A Petroleum-Derived Pollutant

They produce scented paraffin wax from petroleum oil, and commercially popular inexpensive paraffin wax candles can pose several environmental and health risks:

Air Pollution: Burning paraffin candles releases harmful chemicals, including butanal, formaldehyde, toluene, and benzopyrene—substances that affect indoor air quality and respiratory health.

Soot Production: Paraffin candles produce black soot, which can accumulate on walls, ceilings, and furniture, contributing to indoor pollution.

Carbon Emissions: As a petroleum-derived product, paraffin wax contributes to fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Health Risks of Scented Paraffin Candles

Product descriptions mislead consumers.   In reality, the candle is primarily petroleum wax, with synthetic scent, synthetic fixatives, and a small amount of plant essential oil.    Manufacturers produce fragrant chemical scents from petroleum and sometimes animal sources.

Synthetic scented candles made from paraffin wax can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may cause various health issues, particularly in sensitive individuals.

Respiratory Irritation: Exposure to candle fumes can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs.

Neurological Effects: Inhaling high concentrations of vapours such as butanal can have a narcotic effect on the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as Headaches, Drowsiness, Dizziness, Vertigo, Confusion or loss of consciousness (in extreme cases)

People exposed to these fumes often report:

Sneezing, watery eyes, and stuffy nose

Chest tightness

Mucous membrane irritation

Dry or sore throat

Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort (if ingested or exposed to high concentrations

Safer, Healthier Alternatives

If you love the ambiance of candlelight, consider switching to these cleaner-burning, non-toxic alternatives:

Beeswax Candles Burn cleanly without producing soot or smoke. They are made from natural oil produced by honey bees, which makes them a renewable and biodegradable resource.

They have the added benefit of naturally purifying the air by releasing negative ions.

Soy Wax Candles have a cleaner, longer burn

Derived from soybeans, making them a sustainable option

Coconut Wax Candles

Clean-burning and slow-melting

Often blended with soy wax for better performance.

Considered one of the most eco-friendly candle waxes available

Home-made Vegetable oil candles are great options for health-conscious and eco-aware consumers.  Any edible oil, vegetable or seed oils might be a cheaper option; these candles offer a cleaner and safer burn than paraffin.

According to Asthma Canada,  beeswax, soy, and coconut wax candles are all safer alternatives that support better indoor air quality, particularly for individuals with asthma, allergies, or chemical sensitivities. However, they warn that some beeswax candles may be blended with paraffin oil.

They use chemically grown cotton bleached with chlorine to produce dioxins.  Candle wicks that have metal down the middle are great for keeping them upright and straight however since they contain lead, they are very dangerous. Cigarette Smoke & Vaping: Hidden Dangers in the Air We Breathe

Cigarette Smoke: A Toxic Chemical Cocktail

Cigarette smoke is a mixture of thousands of toxic chemicals, many of which are known carcinogens.   Benzene, Styrene, Ethylbenzene, Toluene, and Xylenes are among the most dangerous.    These compounds and are known to harm human health and the environment.

The Black Box label indicates the Health Risks of Cigarette Smoke.

Respiratory Irritation: Damages the lining of the lungs and airways.

Neurological Effects: VOCs can have a narcotic effect on the central nervous system, causing: Headaches, Drowsiness, Dizziness, Confusion, and Loss of consciousness in extreme cases. The Black Box label indicates the Health Risks of Cigarette Smoke.

Respiratory Irritation: Damages the lining of the lungs and airways.

Neurological Effects: VOCs can have a narcotic effect on the central nervous system, causing: Headaches, Drowsiness, Dizziness, Confusion, and Loss of consciousness in extreme cases

Long-Term Impact: Increased cancer risk, cardiovascular disease, and chronic respiratory conditions:

Electronic Cigarettes & Vaping: Not Harmless

While often marketed as safer alternatives, e-cigarettes and vapes still pose significant risks:

Chemical Composition of Vape Aerosols

Vape aerosols frequently contain nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, flavouring agents and additives.  Toxic VOCs – including benzene, formaldehyde, and other hazardous pollutants.    Some substances that mask the odour or enhance flavour in vape liquids can also degrade into toxic byproducts when heated.

Health Effects of Vaping

Inhalation Risks: Exposure to concentrated vapours can lead to:

Respiratory tract irritation

Headaches

Light-headedness

Nausea

Central nervous system depression

Nicotine Addiction: Continued exposure reinforces dependency and can impact brain development in youth.

Acetic Acid (pure) Acetic Acid (pure) Keep far away from any sparks, heat, open flames and other ignition sources.   Don't smoke.  Wear protective gloves, clothing, eye protection and face protection.   Consumers can safely use the 4 to 5% solution, also known as white vinegar, in the home.

VOC-Exempt Products

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) contribute to air pollution and smog formation.    However, regulatory bodies like the US EPA classify certain solvents as VOC-exempt because they have low photochemical reactivity and do not significantly contribute to ozone formation.    These solvents are valuable in industrial applications where compliance with air quality regulations is essential.

The next six ingredients are VOC-exempt since they evaporate quickly and don't contribute excessively to ozone formation.

Acetone in nail polish removers, paints, coatings, and cleaning products.

Dimethyl carbonate-in coatings, adhesives, and as a green solvent alternative.

Methyl Acetate in paints, coatings, adhesives, and personal care products.

Tertiary Butyl Acetate (TBAc) in coatings, inks, and industrial cleaners.

Propylene Carbonate in Battery electrolytes, cosmetics, coatings, and degreasers.

Para-chlorobenzotrifluoride (PCBTF) is used in industrial coatings, cleaning formulations, and ink solvents.

Professionals educate themselves on either:

(GHS) is an international, standardized approach to hazard communication. Their website is the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). Chemical users worldwide will understand the labelling and hazard identification associated with chemicals.

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are in agreement to use the same labels that align with the Globally Harmonized System to classify and label  chemicals (GHS).

In Canada, the "Material Safety Data Sheet" (MSDS) provides information on chemical danger. In the United States, "Safety Data Sheets" (SDS) provide information on chemical danger.

These organizations teach professionals how to handle and manage hazardous chemicals in the workplace, which is crucial for those who work with pure VOCs or VOC-exempt status ingredients, as they can pose serious health risks if not handled properly.    Professionals with this training can learn how to identify, store, hold, and dispose of VOCs and VOC-exempt status ingredients safely and effectively, reducing the risk of exposure to themselves and others.    They set a standard to help professionals worldwide comply with regulations and laws surrounding the handling and using hazardous chemicals, ensuring a safe and healthy work environment.



WHIMIS LABEL

EPA stands for the Environmental Protection Agency, a US government agency that protects public and environmental health.

The  Environmental working group offers an app that allows you to scan the barcodes of products and read out their toxicity level.    Environmental working group

I've researched the VOCs listed below with EWG.org.

VOC Products

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

These are gases and compounds composed of nitrogen and oxygen. Burning coal, oil, gas, cigarettes, stoves, wood emits them, etc.    They have a high photochemical reactivity, and when they react with sunlight, they create smog, Acid rain, and respiratory problems.    Exposure to high levels of NOx can cause various health issues, including respiratory irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Concentrations in the home should be low, and people should make sure to burn things outside, but keep an eye on local air conditions as these chemicals can significantly harm air quality.    Be sure to clean surfaces exposed to NO2.    They can form coatings on surfaces in the home, which, when heated, can emit harmful chemicals into the air.    One of the most visible signs of poor air quality,

Propane EWG gives it a rating of 3

Propane is one of the most useful VOCs, and it is used most commonly in gas grills, heaters, and camping lights. However, relevant bodies classify it as "Very Volatile," meaning large concentrations can easily accumulate. Because of this, regulations are tight, so make sure all equipment complies with the law to help maintain safe emissions levels.

Butane EWG 3-7

Is similar to propane, butane is a fuel used in blow torches, grills, heaters, and lighters.  Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area whenever you are using these devices in case of leakage. This ingredient's score is higher if used in inhalable product forms (e.g., sprays, powders) because of respiratory concerns.    The score is lower if used in product forms that have a lower risk of inhalation (e.g., solids, liquids)

 

Dichlorobenzene

Deodorizers and preservatives are commonly used when storing clothes and other sensitive materials for long periods. Yet most of these products contain dichlorobenzene, a harmful VOC.    Look for products not using these toxic chemicals to keep VOC emissions low.

Terpene

Soaps and laundry detergents usually contain at least some terpenes, meaning most people come into contact with them daily. Alternatives exist, but the best way to avoid exposure is to ensure the area in use is well-ventilated.

Toluene EWG gives it a rating of 9

Those who love DIY projects recognize that toluene is in many paints and nail polishes today. There is such a thing as a safe level, so make sure any paints/coatings comply with all rules and regulations. Also, be sure to ventilate areas when painting. However, it is possible to find toluene-free paint to avoid exposure altogether.

Xylene EWG 9

Xylene is emitted from car exhausts, so running a car on idle poses a great risk to it. Turn on the car's air filtration system, and never run a car engine in areas without proper ventilation.

Neurotoxicity (high), non-reproductive organ system toxicity (high), Ecotoxicology (low), irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (high), and Occupational hazards (moderate

Pesticides

The EWG has a shoppers guide available for those wanting information about pesticides.    I'll place it in the description section of this video.

https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/full-list.php. Most homes use pesticides to keep the lawn green or the garden from damaging insects. Some of the stronger ones, such as DDT, are illegal in many countries, so ensure full compliance with the law when fighting pests.

Carbon Disulfide

The most common source of this chemical is chlorinated tap water, which some people don't recognize the need to filter. Test safety levels and use a charcoal or carbon-filtration system for bathing and drinking when concentrations are too high. If this is not possible, use bottled water. Pure carbon disulphide is a pleasant-smelling colourless liquid.  

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)

Pure Carbon Disulfide can cause developmental toxicity, female reproductive toxicity and male reproductive toxicity, according to an independent committee of scientific and health experts.

Ethanol or Ethyl alcohol EWG rating of 1

Its in many glass cleaners, laundry detergents and dishwasher detergents.   Health risks of its use in personal care products are considerably  lower than the risks caused by alcoholic beverages consumption.    However, the only real way to keep exposure limits low is to ensure good ventilation in areas where this chemical is present.  It is considered broadly toxic and linked to congenital disabilities following excessive oral ingestion.

Alcohol (Isopropyl) EWG rates it as a 2

Alcohol (Isopropyl) EWG rates it as a 2

It's not the type you use to drown your sorrows, but rather the one used in the home for cleaning and disinfecting.  It evaporates quickly at room temperature and is used in 75 to 99 percent concentrations.  Properly ventilate, keep in a cool place, away from the sun.

Formaldehyde EWG rates it a 10

Formaldehyde preserves dead tissue; it is one of the most dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They make moulded plastics and nail and furniture polish; this is a volatile organic compound found in nearly everything.   Look for formaldehyde-free products.   Formaldehyde is a carcinogenic impurity released by several cosmetic preservatives, including diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, and sodium hydroxylmethylglycinate.    According to industry-funded Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel reviews, these cosmetic ingredients can release formaldehyde at levels as high as one-tenth that of the original ingredient (CIR 2006).    Successful treatment of formaldehyde-triggered contact allergic dermatitis through substitution of body care products free of these preservatives

Methyl Chloride, also known as dichloromethane,

It is highly volatile and dangerous.  It's typically found in, aerosol solvents, paint removers and fire extinguishers.

However, this VOC evaporates quickly, making it difficult build up in well-ventilated areas.

EWG Health Guideline:

The EWG Health Guideline of 4 ppb for dichloromethane (methylene chloride) recognizes the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, this level of a drinking water contaminant protects against significant health risk cancer.

EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): 5 ppb

The legal limit for dichloromethane, established in 1992, was based on analytical detection set standard limits.

Plants benefit the ecosystem because they absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen.    Their aromatic aromas indicate VOCs as well.    It's their way of transmitting information and protecting themselves.    Different physiological states and metabolic stages release different VOCs in plants.

Here are some of the most effective VOC toxin-fighting indoor plants for the home:

Spider Plant Benefits: Known for removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

Snake Plant Benefits: Effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, toluene, and nitrogen oxides.

Peace lily removes organic toxins such as alcohols, acetone, xylene, benzene, toluene, trichloroethylene (TCE), and formaldehyde.  It is another good option when looking at plants that help purify and cleanse the air.  Because it also gives off water vapor, it helps keep the air full of moisture and makes it easy to breathe.

Aloe Vera Benefits: Known for removing formaldehyde and benzene.

Boston Fern Benefits: Removes formaldehyde and xylene.

English Ivy Benefits: Effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene.

Rubber Plant Benefits: Known for removing formaldehyde.

Golden Pothos Benefits: Removes formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene.

Bamboo Palm Benefits: Effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and xylene.

Dracaena "Janet Craig": Removes xylene, formaldehyde, and toluene is seen as the best plant for filtering trichloroethylene (TCE) from the air.    It also cleans around 78 percent of the benzene in the air within 24 hours.

Areca Palm Benefits: Removes formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

Gerbera Daisy Benefits: Known for removing benzene and trichloroethylene:Areca Palm Benefits: Removes formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

Gerbera Daisy Benefits: Known for removing benzene and trichloroethylene:

Philodendron Benefits: Effective at removing formaldehyde.

Weeping Fig Benefits: Removes formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

It contains a milky sap that is mildly toxic to cats.    It has 13 VOC.    Ingestion can cause symptoms like mouth irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite The plant contains irritating proteolytic enzymes and sun-sensitive ingredients. Contact a veterinarian for assistance.

Chinese Evergreen Benefits: Known for removing formaldehyde and benzene:

Other plants can help reduce VOC concentrations in the home and improve air quality, but these are some of the most effective and easy to maintain.

We take trees for granted.    They are beautiful, grounding, prevent erosion, and are vital to life on Earth.    And yes - hugging a tree to gain some grounding effects.    Research suggests that spending time in tree-rich environments can reduce the risk of diabetes, lower stress, and even improve immune function.    We universally love trees for their superpower: absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing fresh oxygen.    However, their relationship with air quality is more complex than most people realize.

Not All Trees Clean the Air the Same Way

Since trees have so much more of an effect than flowers and shrubs on air quality, city officials hire urban planners and foresters to delegate which species of trees best offset air pollution and promote public health.    One primary guideline: diversity is key.    No more than 5–10% of an urban forest should come from the same species or family.   This controls the spread of disease and maintains ecological balance.

Trees and VOCs: Nature's Chemical Conversation

Here's where it gets interesting: trees emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — the same class of chemicals many air-purifying houseplants help absorb.    In trees, these VOCs serve important biological purposes such as attracting pollinators, repelling harmful insects and animals and responding to stress like heat or drought.

But there's a twist. When tree-emitted VOCs mix with nitrogen oxides from car exhaust in the presence of ultraviolet rays from sunlight, they can form ground-level ozone— a key pollution factor that harms lung tissue and worsens asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions.

Best and Worst Trees for Air Purification

While all trees offer benefits, not all are equal regarding urban air health.

Top Natural Purifiers (Low-VOC Emitters):

Conifers, such as pines, cypresses, and evergreen oaks, were selected as potentially the most effective natural purifiers. Maple, birch, tulip, and linden release very low levels of VOCs. Common yew has a low impact, and since it is poisonous, avoid planting it near school yards.

High-VOC Emitters (Can Raise Ozone):

Many deciduous trees, including sweet gum and oak family members, naturally produce isoprene. Black gum, poplar, oak, and willow produce lung-damaging ozone levels eight times higher than those linked to low-impact trees.

In the tropics, 30 to 50 percent of the trees emit VOCs. Via secondary organic aerosols (SOAs), they cultivate poplar and oil palm biomass to produce biofuel for heat and power.

It's Complicated — But Not Hopeless

Trees are still crucial to human survival. Understanding their chemistry and behaviour helps us plant smarter, especially in cities with high pollution and population density.

Nature has various shades of grey.    Trees both clean and contribute to our atmosphere's complexity depending on its surrounding environment.    The solution?    Better planning, more brilliant species selection, and rethinking how we integrate green spaces into our built environments.

So yes, hug a tree — and choose your tree friends wisely

For those of you that don't have a green thumb.    There is a reason not to have indoor plants.

Overwatering plants can lead to mould growth on the soil, producing airborne spores and triggering allergies and asthma symptoms.    Avoid excessive plant watering, and ensure proper drainage and air circulation.

Dust can accumulate on leaves and circulate in the air, which can cause respiratory problems and worsen asthma, COPD and allergy symptoms.    It can also carry toxic pollutants like pesticides and lead.   Gently clean the leaves with a moistened cloth regularly.

Newly purchased houseplants that have been outside can sometimes have pests like aphids, spider mites and mealybugs.    Their waste and body parts can become airborne and cause respiratory issues.    Handpick pests or the infested part of the plant.    Low-chemical options like insecticidal soaps and neem oil.

Some plants and flowers can release pollen, spores or fragrances that can cause allergic reactions.    Certain plants may make allergies worse.    Generally, plants with big leaves and no flowers are better options.

If Plants Aren't the Answer to Cleaner Indoor Air, What Is?

Eliminate or reduce the use of these VOC-containing products to reduce indoor air pollution.

Increase ventilation by opening doors and windows for 10-15 minutes daily to bring in fresh outdoor air to dilute the polluted indoor air. 

Use mechanical means to filter out particulates from the air. Change furnace filters at least once every 2-3 months and upgrade to a MERV 13 filter.   This higher MERV rating helps to capture the smallest pollutants, like viruses. Use solar rechargeable activated charcoal bags, activated carbon filters in air purifiers, and a portable HEPA air cleaner, which can remove 99.97% of particulates from the air.  

Conclusion: Understanding and Reducing VOC Exposure at Home

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are hidden health hazards commonly found in everyday household items—from paints, cleaning products, and paraffin candles to cooking fumes, gas appliances, and even cosmetics.    These unseen airborne pollutants impact respiratory irritation, neurological effects, allergic reactions, and increased cancer risk to name a few

Thankfully, awareness is the first step toward creating a safer indoor environment.    You can take action by:

Choosing low-VOC or VOC-free paints and adhesives

Ventilating spaces well when using gas stoves, cleaning products, or engaging in DIY projects

Switching to clean-burning alternatives like beeswax, soy, or coconut candles

Avoiding synthetic air fresheners and opting for essential oils or indoor plants instead

Using the Environmental Working Group (EWG) app to check product toxicity

Checking the EPA website for information

Educating yourself with WHMIS, OSHA, or GHS guidelines if you work with chemicals

Don't underestimate the power of indoor air-purifying plants like spiders, snakes, and peace lilies. They act as nature's filters, removing toxins like formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene from your air.

Your home should be your sanctuary—not a source of toxic exposure.    With thoughtful choices and simple swaps, you can significantly reduce VOC levels and protect your long-term health, family, and pets.    Breathe easier, live cleaner, and let knowledge guide you to a more conscious and chemical-aware lifestyle.

I will place links to relevant information in the description section for you.


Thank you for listening. I hope to see you again.

Here are some other related articles you may enjoy learning from:

 

References:

 

 

 


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