If you have household chemical products like disinfectants, air fresheners, paint strippers and more stored inside your home, you and your family may be exposed to dangerous airborne toxins without even realizing it. That’s because these products can emit gasses called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which have been linked to everything from chronic headaches to certain types of cancer. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to minimize your exposure to VOCs whenever possible.
Store toxic household products in a shed away from your home.
Do you have strong-smelling chemical products like paint thinners and pesticides tucked away in a storage closet? Consider moving these items to a detached shed if possible. Get in the habit of storing any gas-powered tools in the shed as well. Keeping these items in a separate structure can significantly reduce the VOC levels in your home.
Limit the number of these products you buy.
It might be tempting to buy products like air fresheners in bulk, but storing all those items can increase the likelihood of toxic VOCs off-gassing in your home. Try to limit the number of chemical products you buy and store in your home, and consider using non-toxic homemade alternatives whenever possible.
Seal attached garages.
Garages tend to be full of potentially-harmful products that contain VOCs. If you keep automotive products, aerosol sprays, fuel and other toxic chemicals stored in an attached garage, make sure the entryway is properly sealed to prevent these products from off-gassing VOCs into your home. If possible, move some of these products that you don’t use regularly to a detached shed as well.
At Center Grove Real Estate Inspections, we can inspect your home for a variety of common household health hazards, including radon, mold and lead-based paint. Give us a call or contact us online today to learn more!
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