Green Means
Beware the VOCs! 

By Shannon Scott

Beware the VOCs!  VOCs are volatile organic compounds a whole class of carbon based chemicals that give off vapors at normal indoor temperature.  Part of making our homes greener is eliminating materials that off-gas or emit VOCs into interior living spaces.  Eliminating VOCs helps to protect not just our health, but soil, water, and air quality.  Opt for family-safe biodegradable cleaning and finish products in your home.  Local stores now carry low or no VOC paints and biodegradable cleaning supplies – because there is demand.  Elko residents are greening up!

Last week I mentioned the passive solar matrix for helping home owners and owner-builders save money when remodeling or building.  Keep the passive solar element of breeze pathways and ventilation in mind for improved indoor air quality. 

The most common VOC pollutant in indoor air is airborne formaldehyde.  Remember the FEMA trailers after Hurricane Katrina?  The adhesives and vinyl used in manufacturing the trailers made residents ill with headaches, nausea, and nose bleeds.  High formaldehyde off-gassing in a small area coupled with poor ventilation, created yet more problems for those poor hurricane victims. 

Urea-formaldehyde containing materials may include: vinyl clad windows, particle board, plywood, paneling, flooring, shelving, furniture, spray foam, carpet pads or backings, and older insulation.  Rid what you can, and if you are in the process of remodeling or building use responsibly sourced and manufactured products such as Sierra Pacific windows, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified lumber, and particle boards with zero VOCs such as Kirei, Agriboard, Teramica, and others.

If you’re not ready to incur the expense of replacing vinyl clad windows with exterior clad aluminum wood ones, or get rid of glued-down linoleum, or replace nice hickory cabinets that were new ten years ago, then make sure you have plenty of ventilation.  Indoor air quality can be improved simply by using exhaust fans vented to the outdoors on a regular basis and opening windows for breeze pathways. 

Mold spores are another indoor air quality hazard.  Mold thrives in warm, moist conditions, so don’t give it a chance to grow.  When showering, bathing, or cooking, always turn on exhaust fans to eliminate moisture.  Keeping your home dry and aerated will help your family breathe easier. 

Gas appliances such as stoves, ovens, clothes dryers, and heaters emit carbon monoxide as a byproduct of the fuel they burn.  When running any gas appliance make sure interior areas are well ventilated.  Turn on exhaust fans.  When breathed in, carbon monoxide fills cells needed to carry oxygen – thus it replaces oxygen.  Carbon monoxide poisoning causes flu like symptoms, headaches, nausea, confusion, and irritability.  At increased levels it causes vomiting, brain damage, and death.   Ventilate.

Tile, and hardwood floors that have been sealed with non-volatile organic chemical sealants, are far better for reducing indoor toxins and pollutants than carpets.  Anyone who has shampooed or replaced indoor carpeting knows how much dust, dirt, and filth embeds in carpet fibers and padding underneath.  Vacuum or mop regularly to reduce outdoor contaminants from floors.  Keep a mat or shoe rack by doors so dirt and pollutants don’t get tracked inside.  Make those dusty miners brush off or strip down before entering.

All cleaning products have clearly labeled warnings.  Be selective by buying safer, biodegradable, earth friendly products.  Many local area stores, especially Raley’s, are now carrying green cleaning products that are safe for children, pets, and the environment.  Just like when you buy food, read labels carefully and choose wisely. 

When remodeling or building choose high cubic feet per minute (CFM) fans with low sones ratings (sound).  Poorer quality fans may move a lot of air, but are often noisy.  Loud, irritating fans do not get used.  A good fan will be Energy Star rated for efficiency, move more than 200 CFM for a standard full size bathroom, approximately 100 square ft., and have a sone rating of less than 2.   Panasonic and Fantech make some excellent quality exhaust fans and can be ordered through Western Nevada Supply. 

So open your windows, turn on the fans, avoid harsh chemicals, and make the family take off their shoes.  Training the dog to keep the dirt out might be a little harder, but keeping a towel by the door to dust off Rover may be a fine start.