In this post:
- What are VOCs?
- How VOCs can affect your health
- Low VOC products offered by Zogics
Have you ever been cleaning and felt like you needed a breath of fresh air...indoors? You might be surprised to learn that the culprit could be lurking in your cleaning products.
Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs for short, are a class of chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. While they're found in many everyday products, including paints, fragrances, and yes, cleaning solutions, high levels of VOCs can negatively impact your indoor air quality and your health. We're committed to providing cleaning solutions that are effective and safe for your business and the environment. That's why we offer a wide range of low VOC cleaning products like Zogics Clean Concentrates and Biodegradable Disinfecting Wipes.
Before we delve into our solutions, let's look at VOCs: what they are, where they come from, and how they can affect you.
What are VOCs?
VOCs are a large group of organic chemicals that vaporize at room temperature. These chemicals can be human-made or naturally occurring, and they're found in various products we use daily. Per the EPA, Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in cleaning and maintenance products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when stored. Some common examples of products containing VOCs include:
- Paints and coatings
- Cleaning products
- Air fresheners
- Personal care products (hairspray, perfume, nail polish remover)
- Pesticides
- Building materials (carpet, adhesives)
Where Do VOCs Come From?
When VOC-containing products are used or stored indoors, the VOCs evaporate into the air. This can happen quickly after application, or it can continue slowly over time. The concentration of VOCs in spaces depends on several factors, including:
- The types and quantities of VOC-containing products being used
- The ventilation in your space (how well air circulates and is replaced with fresh air)
- Temperature and humidity levels (higher temperatures and humidity can increase VOC emissions)
How Can VOCs Affect Health?
Short-term exposure to high levels of VOCs can cause a variety of health problems, including:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Eye irritation
- Dizziness
- Respiratory problems
Long-term exposure to VOCs has also been linked to more serious health problems, including asthma, cancer, and liver and kidney damage.
How Can I Reduce VOC Exposure?
There are several things you can do to reduce your exposure to VOCs:
- Improve ventilation: Open windows and doors whenever possible to allow fresh air to circulate.
- Choose low VOC products: Look for cleaning products, paints, and other household products labeled "low VOC" or "VOC-free."
- Store products properly: Keep VOC-containing products in tightly sealed containers in a well-ventilated area.
- Reduce clutter: Dust and dirt can trap VOCs, so decluttering your home can help improve air quality.
- Consider using air purifiers: Air purifiers with HEPA filters can help remove VOCs and other pollutants from the air.
Zogics: Your Low VOC Cleaning Solution
We understand the importance of creating a clean and healthy home environment. That's why we're proud to offer low-VOC cleaning products that are effective and safe for your family and the environment. Here are some of our top picks:
- Zogics Clean Concentrates: EcoLogo certified, these versatile concentrates can be diluted with water to create a variety of cleaning solutions, all with minimal VOCs. From all-purpose cleaners to bathroom cleaners to glass cleaners, Zogics concentrates can tackle any cleaning challenge.
- Zogics Laundry Detergent: For a powerful clean without harsh fumes or fragrances, Zogics ecoPRO Laundry Detergent is a great choice. It helps remove tough stains and odors while remaining low in VOCs. Breathe Easy with Zogics
- Zogics Biodegradable Disinfecting Wipes: These convenient plant-based wipes are perfect for quick cleanups and disinfecting surfaces. They kill 99.9% of bacteria while remaining gentle on surfaces and free of harsh chemicals and VOCs
By choosing Zogics low VOC cleaning products, you can create a cleaner and healthier environment for employees and guests. Not only will your spaces feel fresh and clean, but you can also rest assured that you're reducing exposure to harmful chemicals.