Off-Gassing: What You Need to Know

Have you ever noticed a strong, new-product smell coming from a mattress, couch, or other piece of furniture? That smell is called off-gassing, and it's caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) evaporating from the material. VOCs are chemicals that easily become vapours, and they can be released into the air from a variety of sources, including paints, cleaning products, and building materials.

While some VOCs are harmless, others can be harmful to your health. Exposure to VOCs can cause a variety of symptoms, including headaches, nausea, dizziness, and respiratory problems. In some cases, exposure to VOCs can even lead to more serious health problems, such as cancer.

So, what can you do to protect yourself from the health risks of off-gassing? Here are a few tips:

• Choose products with low VOC emissions. When you're shopping for new furniture, paint, or other products, look for products that have been certified by a third-party organisation for low VOC emissions.

• Ventilate the area where you're using the product. When you first bring a new product into your home, open the windows and doors to ventilate the area. This will help to reduce the amount of VOCs in the air.

• Let the product air out before using it. If possible, let the product air out for several days before using it. This will give the VOCs time to evaporate.

• Use a HEPA air filter. A HEPA air filter can help to remove VOCs from the air. If you're concerned about the health risks of off-gassing, consider using a HEPA air filter in your home.

People with heightened sensitivity

Some people are more sensitive to the effects of VOCs than others. If you have asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems, you may be more sensitive to the effects of off-gassing. If you have any concerns, it's best to talk to your doctor before using a product that contains VOCs.

Conclusion

Off-gassing is a common problem with many new products. While most VOCs are harmless, some can be harmful to your health. If you're concerned about the health risks of off-gassing, follow the tips above to protect yourself.