There are many pollutants and compounds in the air we breathe, and many of them can be found inside every house. One of the most common groups of these harmful compounds is VOC or volatile organic compounds. VOC are commonly used in building materials of modern houses. These materials can be used anywhere such as in carpets, flooring, paints, furniture, cabinets and even the framework of the house itself. Many of the VOC compounds has been already identified, but the most common and probably one of the most harmful among all VOC’s is formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a chemical that can irritate the eyes, nose, and can cause serious respiratory ailments. It is also said that in can also cause cancer.
Due to the health concerns of the public, strict regulations has been made in the last decade to minimize the use of VOC for many building and construction materials.
A newly built house can have a significant amount of VOC. It is also the time where the rate of VOC off-gas is at its highest, making new house owner’s comments on the “how new the house smells”. It is advised that the house should be left open for a few days, to let most of the VOC escape, before one should move in. Once occupied, it is still best to continually keep the windows open and keep the house well ventilated for a couple of weeks.
After a few months, the level of the VOC’s off gas from building materials might slow down. But some research shows that the phenomena will still continue even after a year or more. After studying some new houses, a research concluded that after 9 months, levels of VOC can be at a minimal amount, not that harmful, but can still give of a certain scent or odor.
Carpets and vinyl tiles also contains VOC. Vinyl has a stronger smell than carpets, but it is said to be safe, so no alarm should be made.
Latex based paints and oil-based alkyd paints also contains high amounts of VOC. Alkyd based paints are usually used in the bathroom and kitchen. Both types of paint emit hundreds of VOC compounds.
VOC problems as well as other indoor air quality problems such as black mold spores can be easily managed by proper home ventilation. Proper home ventilation can let all the harmful VOC compounds out and lets fresh air in. Lots of fresh air can also stop black mold from colonizing.
To know if your current house or the house you are planning to buy has good ventilation, it is best to look for the advice and recommendations of a certified home inspector.
At South Bay Home Inspections, our professional home inspectors are certified and well trained by top home inspection organizations and training institutions.
Our certified home inspectors will get air samples to determine if the air quality inside your house is good or not. Not only can we determine if there are VOC traces in the house, we could also determine if your house has mold problems as well. Having your house undergo Air Quality and Mold Inspection is a must in order to keep your family safe from molds and from harmful gases.
Our certified home inspectors and mold inspectors can make a full recommendation in regards to your house’s ventilation and air conditioning system.
South Bay Home Inspections also specializes on Full House Inspections and Pool and Spa Inspections Packages.
For those who are residing or planning to move to South Bay it is best to consult a home inspections company that knows the peculiarities of the area as well as has served countless home owners in their search for their new homes, and South Bay Home Inspections is the most respected and most preferred home inspection company in the area of South Bay.
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