3 Ways VOCs Negatively Effect Your Health



 

People wanting to transform the look of their homes often purchase paint to accomplish this goal. Before you begin painting, it’s important to watch for volatile organic compounds or VOCs. Fortunately, most VOCs dissipate after about a year. If you’re beginning a new painting project, it’s wise to ensure you’re choosing no or low VOC paint. It’s understandable to wonder why you should avoid VOCs at all costs. In this post, you’ll learn how VOCs are harmful to your health.

  • Extremely Severe Allergies

    A recent report by CBC Marketplace found that VOC levels over 500 ppb could cause difficulties for those with sensitivities to chemicals. If you’re experiencing symptoms synonymous with allergies, it could be because of volatile organic compounds. Fortunately, picking out paint without any VOCs should help ensure you won’t have to deal with allergies while you’re in your home.
  • Frequent Headaches Ranging in Severity

    Another sign of VOC exposure occurs when you begin experiencing headaches. It’s difficult for most people to go through life without experiencing this painful condition. If your headaches are happening on a frequent basis, it could be due to the paints you’re using.
  • Feeling Tired

    Many people live extremely busy lives. Considering that, it’s common for these people to feel tired. However, tiredness that occurs on a frequent basis is a serious concern. Unfortunately, volatile organic compounds are known to make people feel drowsy. If you’re feeling tired on a constant basis, the paint you’re using could be the main culprit.

In conclusion, there are several ways that VOCs can cause harm to the human body. Therefore, it’s wise to choose paints that don’t contain large amounts of volatile organic compounds. A recent study by Cornell University’s Survey Research Institute found that 83% of travelers would choose an allergy friendly room over other options. Considering that, it’s understandable to want to ensure that you’re choosing paints that won’t cause you to deal with allergies. Fortunately, there are many types of low VOC paint available. You can even find environmentally friendly spray paint that’s made with low amounts of VOCs. Choosing environmentally friendly spray paint allows you to complete important projects without worrying about adverse health effects.