Just Breathe

There is a great deal of talk about air quality, but in most cases we think about the impact of smog and pollution OUTSIDE.  Indoor air quality is often overlooked despite the fact that we spend a substantial amount of time breathing indoor air.  Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted into the air from a variety of sources including paint, floor adhesives, cleaners, even furniture. Love it or hate it, we are all familiar with that "new house smell" which is, in most cases, the result of off gassing from the material used in production. How it works is that chemicals used in manufacturing evaporate into the air over time.  This might not have been as big an issue when the main source of cooling was an open window, but now in our tightly sealed homes and businesses these VOCs are stuck inside.  Okay, so there's the problem, but what do we do about it?  How do we improve indoor air quality? Awareness is the first step.  Think about what you bring into your home or business.  Many manufacturers are seeking ways to minimize and even eliminate VOCs so seek them out, ask questions, read labels, use online resources and just breathe.