When buying or renovating a home, sometimes you can smell an odor in the house.
It could smell like something sweet. Or somewhat metallic. There are a variety of odors from chemicals that definitely leave a scent in the air that is not pleasant.
Many people can't tolerate these odors. And they have a negative reaction to them, such as watery eyes, headaches, scratchy throat or fatigue. These symptoms are not normal and not okay to have with new things that come into your home.
But do you have to suffer with it until it finally disappears?
No!
And you shouldn't. Because that offensive smell could be an indicator that there are problems in your home.
Why You Don't Want VOCs in Your Home
You might not think anything about buying a new couch on sale because it is cute. Or you got a good deal on new peel-and-stick vinyl flooring that looks like high end floors do. But all of these things could cause you more problems down the road. You might be shocked to know that VOCs are off gassing from so many common items in your home. Every day things such as:
- Cabinetry
- Furniture
- Flooring
- Paints
- Stains
- Varnishes
Among some of the worst off gassing offenders with VOCs are anything made with a wood veneer. If you think you're buying wood products, but the price is pretty low, chances are you are actually getting a wood veneer. It is often used in:
- Cabinets
- Engineered hardwood floors
- Furniture
- Shelving
- Other pieces of home décor
Safer Shopping
Does that mean you can't buy any of your favorite items? No, it doesn't. But you should buy with caution, and with an education about what you are bringing into your home.
Especially if you or someone in your family has allergies, asthma, or other medical conditions that might be affected by poor indoor air.
While prevention can go a long way to avoid bringing in toxic chemicals into your home - which means that you are breathing them in all day - you do not have to worry if you bought a shelving unit you love but you think it smells bad.
There are products you can use at home that will seal in VOCs from off gassing into your air.
That is right, if you are willing to add a layer of paint or sealant to your furniture, flooring or walls, you could stop the source of indoor air pollution.
A lot of products out there will promise a lot of things. Some of the claims are just bogus or wrong. I tend to stay with companies that I know and trust.
I highly suggest this VOC Sealant if you want to reduce off gassing and smells in your home. I have used it in my own home.
And if you are on a tight budget for furniture but you really want to reduce your chemical exposure as much as possible, using one of the products from the company highlighted above is an economical way to do what you can.
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