(NaturalHealth365)  Have you ever heard of VOCs?  No, they’re not some knock-off brand of colorful plastic shoes named after a crocodile.  VOCs are “volatile organic compounds” that can cause several unwanted health effects.  You may have never even heard of VOCs before – but your home is a major source of exposure to them if you’re not careful.  (Keep reading for solutions.)

A recent study published in Environmental Pollution reveals strong links between VOCs in homes and respiratory health issues like asthma and reduced lung function in adults.  Researchers found that specific VOCs, such as dimethyl disulfide and ethyl isobutyrate, were associated with asthma.  In contrast, others like 2-hexanone and 2-methyl-1-butanol were linked to lower lung function, particularly in homes with dampness or mold.

These findings build on earlier research published in Environmental Science and Technology, which identified mattresses as a significant source of VOC exposure during sleep.  That study brought attention to the risks of prolonged exposure to these chemicals in everyday household items, highlighting how even a good night’s sleep could contribute to unwanted health effects.

Health WARNING: Surprising amount of toxic VOCs are being released from your bed – while you sleep

Whether you own or rent your home, you probably think of many ways to protect your family against harmful environmental and household agents, such as harsh cleaning chemicals, mold, and poor air quality.  But did you realize that even your couch and mattress could pose a serious health hazard?

This is because conventionally manufactured furniture, including couches, mattresses, and chairs, all contain VOCs.  These chemicals vaporize and emit harmful gases into the air, which can cause negative health effects from both short-term and long-term exposure.

Reported effects include:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Persistent coughing
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Confusion and memory loss
• Dizziness
• Skin, nose, and throat irritation
• Respiratory tract infections
• Eye infections and vision problems
• Nosebleeds
• Fatigue

More serious consequences that occur from long-term exposure to certain VOCs – such as radon, benzene, and formaldehyde – may include asthma, seizures, personality changes, hyperactivity, learning difficulties, neurological dysfunction, and even cancer.

Keep in mind that these effects can impact adults, children, infants, and even unborn children, as found in a large study involving over 1,500 pregnant women.  The researchers from the Korean Ministry of Environment found that higher exposure to VOCs was strongly associated with ‘small for gestational age babies,’ a phenomenon associated with problems like breathing difficulties, decreased oxygen, low blood sugar, and impaired body temperature regulation.

In the aforementioned Environmental Science and Technology study, researchers simulated sleeping conditions on a select sample of youth, toddler, and infant mattresses made with polyurethane (standard fare at the mattress shop).  Then, they measured the amount of VOCs emitted.

It is important to note that the researchers found that “most [VOC measurements] were well below the cancer and non-cancer risk reference levels.  However, for infants and young children, inhalation of some compounds … could reach levels of concern.”

The higher inhalation of VOCs during sleep is believed to occur because people tend to have 1) increased body temperature, 2) close proximity to the compounds, and 3) poorly ventilated bedrooms.

What are we tucking our children into?

By the way, it’s not just what you sit or sleep on.  Ovens, drapes, blinds, adhesives, mothballs, air fresheners, heating systems, electronics, paint, varnish, carpets, rugs, and even wooden floors all have VOCs.  You’re likely surrounded by them – at home and work.

Four ways to protect yourself from the dangers of VOCs

VOCs are so prevalent in everyday life that it almost seems impossible to avoid them.  But there is hope – provided you take action!

Here are a few things you can do:

• Get a high-quality indoor air purification system.
• Install and maintain carbon monoxide and radon detectors in your home, and get your house tested for harmful chemicals with an HVAC expert.
• Improve your ventilation, including natural strategies like growing indoor plants and using essential oil diffusers (instead of conventional air fresheners or candles).
• Consider purchasing non-toxic and/or organic furniture – and at the very least, commit to using non-toxic household cleaners.

The bottom line: it’s important to recognize that we live in a toxic world.  But, for every problem – there is a solution.  Take action today to protect your health and that of your family.  It’s worth the effort.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
Sansone-ac.com
Journals.LLW.com