How to Reduce VOCs for a Healthier Home, According to a Doctor and Air Quality Expert

A lot has been made of VOCs—or volatile organic compounds—and the health risks they may pose. VOCs are everyday household gases that you come in contact with more often than you think. And while it’s virtually impossible to avoid them entirely, there are many ways to help minimize your exposure to these harmful chemicals. Fortunately, reducing VOCs in your home is easier than you might think.

With thoughtful consideration, you can dramatically improve the air quality in your home. We turned to the experts to find out how to reduce VOC levels in your space and the potential health benefits of doing so.

VOCs, Explained

According to allergist Meagan W. Shepherd, "Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are carbon-based chemicals that turn into gases very quickly at room temperature, which are then inhaled," with common examples including benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, acetone, and methylene chloride.

"Scents such as perfumes or anything that has an odor are a VOC," explains Shepherd. "The chemicals are what we actually smell." These VOCs can linger in the air long after release and continue to expose people to dangerous pollutants. And while VOCs are found everywhere—even in nature, as they are produced by trees, plants, and animals—levels in the home are significantly higher than outdoors, according to the EPA.

Air quality expert Rick Hoskins adds “the off-gases released from common household products and building materials" to the bucket of common indoor VOCs. "They’re that smell homeowners get when they move a new piece of furniture into the home, open up a box of new bedding, or unroll a new carpet," he says. Though it’s important to note that plenty of VOCs do not have a smell at all. Product tags or safety data sheets will indicate whether or not the item releases VOCs.

The Health Effects of VOCs

Because VOCs are toxic gases released by a range of common household products (think paint, furniture, cleaners), exposure to these airborne chemicals can cause a range of health problems, both short- and long-term.

“Unfortunately, VOCs can cause injury to multiple body systems,” says Shepherd. “They can cause nausea and headaches, and difficulty breathing, with inflammation in your nose, sinuses, and lungs.” Additionally, they can irritate your eyes and even damage your nervous system, liver, and kidneys.

According to Shepherd, some VOCs are known carcinogens, such as formaldehyde and benzene, meaning they can even cause cancer.

Expert-Approved Ways to Reduce VOCS in Your Home

“In modern life, VOCs are extremely difficult to avoid,” says Hoskins. “Nearly any petroleum-containing product will release them [and] they will always be present to some degree.”

However, don’t underestimate the amount of control you have over reducing the presence of VOCs in your home. There are a number of actions you can take to reduce VOCs and improve your home’s air quality, making it cleaner and safer for everyone.

Filter Your Air

Proper air filtration is one of the most passive, long-lasting ways to reduce VOC exposure. “Specific HVAC filters that contain activated carbon can help remove VOC odors from the air, preventing them from being recirculated in the home,” says Hoskins. 

Switch to an Electric Range

Consider switching to an electric range for your kitchen, advises Shepherd. “Gas ranges can expel formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide,” she explains. If you’re not ready to give up your gas range, make sure to have a properly fitted ventilation hood that you always use during stove-top cooking.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

When it comes to minimizing VOCs in the home, ventilation is key. “Make fresh air a top priority in your home,” says Shepherd. “Adding an exhaust fan to the bathroom or adding an air purifier with carbon filters to the laundry room can be helpful.”

When possible, open windows and doors to create airflow to the outdoors. This gives VOCs an escape route rather than trapping them in your home. Using a box fan when working with high-VOC materials, or after opening large household products like mattresses, is a must, as it will direct airflow out of the home.

Consider Air-Intake and ERV HVAC Systems

If possible, consider upgrading to an HVAC system with a fresh-air intake. “This will proactively introduce new, outdoor air into the home, which reduces the concentration of VOCs,” explains Hoskins, effectively diluting the polluted air with fresh air. HVAC systems with energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) can also help to remove contaminated air from the home, he says.

Intentional Product Purchasing

When shopping for project materials and household products, like paint, plywood, boxed mattresses, and furniture, make sure to look for “low VOC” on the labels, advises Shepherd. “Plywood and pressed-wooden furniture often contain formaldehyde, which is a known VOC,” she says. “Paint is best when it is water-based, which decreases the amount of VOCs it contains.”

One safeguard is to check for UL Greenguard Certification on any new, man-made products you are considering buying and bringing into your home. Before purchasing, check the label and any relevant marketing materials for this certification to ensure your product has been tested and meets applicable emission limits. "Most manufacturers have heard the concerns of consumers and do their best to reduce or eliminate VOCs from their products," notes Hoskins.

Similarly, pay close attention to the self-care products you choose. While not all soaps, lotions, detergents, and skincare products are labeled as low-VOC, Shepherd recommends at least making sure they indicate they are formaldehyde-free and ditching aerosolized products. Additionally, using products marketed for sensitive skin, such as eczema, usually results in lower VOCs due to the lack of added fragrances.

Don’t Buy More than You Need

When purchasing products with high VOCs, don’t buy more than you need. Products that are used only occasionally or seasonally, such as paint strippers or gasoline for lawn mowers, should ideally not be stored after opening. If they must be stored, they should be sealed properly and kept away from humans and pets—but it’s best to use such products right away. Even idle paint supplies can emit excessive VOCs over time. 

Pick Electric Heating Methods

“Pick electric heating methods or even a natural gas fireplace in your home instead of a wood-burning fireplace,” advises Shepherd. “While natural gas fireplaces do still release VOCs, it is much less than wood-burning fireplaces.” 

Remember that a gas fireplace still needs to be well-ventilated, though. If you are able, open the windows in your home for five minutes a day. This will reduce VOC levels, especially during the winter, when they are typically highest due to increased heating demand.

Maintain Relative Humidity in the Home

According to Hoskins, high humidity can increase the speed at which VOCs are released from products. “You should keep your home at 30 to 50 percent relative humidity to mitigate this,” he advises. You might consider investing in a dehumidifier, especially if you live in a humid climate. 

Allow Time for VOC Off-Gassing

Another important action you can take to limit VOC levels in your home is to leave your new, large household purchase outdoors for some time before bringing it in. Don’t be in a hurry, as this grace period will keep your home from being filled with toxic fumes from the new installation. 

“Allow time for VOC off-gassing when purchasing new flooring, such as rugs, carpet, and hardwood,” says Shepherd. She recommends leaving the product outdoors for at least 72 hours prior to installation, as fresh air will help to rid your product of the initial acute VOC release while still outside of your home.

Stop Smoking

One of the biggest VOC offenders is cigarette smoke. Shepherd advises stopping to keep yourself safe. “Stop smoking and don’t allow smoking inside or outside your home,” she says. When traveling or going to places for entertainment, make sure that they are designated as non-smoking to avoid coming into contact with any second-hand smoke.

Even third-hand cigarette smoke (i.e., exposure to the VOCs found in walls and furniture that contain residual cigarette smoke) is known to emit higher levels than non-smoking areas.

Consider House Plants

If you’re looking for yet another reason to fill your home with plants, this would be it. According to Hoskins, certain houseplant species, such as snake plants, spider plants, and Chinese evergreens, can passively remove VOCs in small quantities. “While they certainly don’t purify the air entirely, they’re a great addition to other VOC reduction methods like ventilation and filtration,” he says.