A report by the World Health Organization blames indoor air pollution for 2.7 percent of all disease.  Products you use in your home can pollute the air with a variety of potentially harmful volatile organic compounds — or VOCs.  Your home’s air may harbour up to five times as many VOCs as the air outside, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Volatile organic compounds are chemical compounds that vaporize easily into the air.  While some VOCs come from natural sources — such as forest fires and wetlands — others are released by manufactured products commonly found in the home.  Familiar sources of VOCs in the home include cleaners, air fresheners, solvents, paints, adhesives, wood preservatives, dry cleaned clothing, pesticides and fuels.

The good news is that it is relatively simple to significantly reduce in-home exposure to VOCs.  The following are suggestions to diminish levels in your living space:

• Keep your home well-ventilated
• Try natural cleaners
• make green decorating choices
• Beware of artificial fragrances
• Control pests safely
• Dry clean with caution
• “Off gas” plastics

Dr. Barbara Smith
Chiropractor and Health Educator
health@doctorbarb.com