Whether it's moving into a new home or doing some DIY renovations, many of us will be familiar with that 'new home smell'. Unfortunately, behind that smell are a number of potentially dangerous chemicals or VOCs such as formaldehyde! For some this may cause headaches, dizziness and other health issues.
This brings us to the question: How do you keep yourself safe from these VOCs and can an air purifier help?
The good news is there are ways to mitigate these VOCs and the right air purifier can definitely help!
Understanding VOCs and Their Sources
VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. Common sources in new builds and renovations include:
- Formaldehyde: Found in building materials like plywood, particleboard, and adhesives.
- Benzene: Emitted from paints, glues, and cleaning products.
- Toluene: Present in paints, paint thinners, and adhesives.
Health Impacts
Exposure to VOCs can cause, amongst other things:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Respiratory issues
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
Monitoring VOC levels with an Air Quality Monitor
Using an air quality monitor like our QP Pro can help you gauge VOC levels in your home. While it doesn't provide levels of specific chemicals, it gives you a baseline level of VOCs in the air and can show the effectiveness of different tactics in reducing VOCs.
Effective Strategies for Reducing VOCs
Ventilation
The most effective way to reduce VOCs is through ventilation:
- Mechanical Ventilation: Use exhaust fans or air exchangers like HRV systems.
- Natural Ventilation: Open windows and doors to create a strong cross breeze.
Formaldehyde Cookouts
These are a way to force more formaldehyde from building materials, furniture etc. in a shorter period of time. Note you should avoid being inside when the cookout is run.
Smart Air have written a detailed guide here, however the basic process is:
1. Close windows/doors and increase temperature, through heating or naturally with sunlight. Aim for 30+ degrees if possible.
2. Keep the temperature up for a few hours, ideally 6-8 if possible.
3. When you return, open windows and doors to remove the formaldehyde from the air and return the space to a normal temperature.
4. Repeat this several times
Air Purifiers with Activated Carbon Filters
An air purifier with a carbon (VOC) filter can provide additional assistance, especially when ventilation isn't possible.
Key Factors to Consider:
- Amount of Carbon: This determines the amount of VOCs which can be filtered before the filter becomes saturated. Some mesh-style "carbon filters" may last only a few minutes in high VOC environments.
- Separate Carbon Filter: Allows for easy replacement when needed, as in high VOC situations the Carbon Filter will likely need replacing well before the HEPA filter.
Our Recommended Purifiers:
- Sqair: 120g of activated carbon per filter.
- SA600: 140g per filter (2 per purifier).
- Blast Mini: 650g of activated carbon per filter (optional extra).
- Blast: 1.06kg of activated carbon per filter (optional extra).
For additional VOC cleaning power, you can remove the HEPA filter and use multiple carbon filters in our purifiers.
Wrapping Up
VOCs are an unfortunate reality in newly built or renovated homes. It's essential to tackle these to maintain good indoor air quality and health. Ventilation, both mechanical and natural, is the most effective strategy.
Additionally, using air purifiers with plenty of activated carbon can provide assistance, especially when ventilation is not possible. Formaldehyde Cookouts are an additional tool to help lower the levels of formaldehyde being released.
