VOC’s in interior design
“Volatile organic compounds are chemicals used to manufacture and maintain building materials, interior furnishing, cleaning products and personal care products. “Volatile” means that these chemicals evaporate or can easily get into the air at room temperature. “Organic” means these chemicals are carbon based. The term “chemical emissions” refers to VOCs as they evaporate into the air from products.”
“[these include, but are not limited to] Formaldehyde, Decane, Butoxyethanol, Isopentane, Limonene, Styrene, Xylenes, Perchloroethylene, Methylene, Chloride, Toluene, Vinyl chloride”
The most instantly recognisable indication of VOC’s in our homes is that new paint smell. These low-level effects of VOC’s include throat, nose and eye irritation, nausea, headaches, dizziness, and vomiting, as well as more severe reactions triggering asthma.
Once the VOC’s get into the indoor air the only way to reduce the concentration is by ventilation. Indoors, VOC concentrations have been found to be consistently two to five times higher than outdoors. Alarmingly, these chemicals very often keep evaporating long after that smell goes away and can cause significant harm. Long-term exposure to VOCs can lead to an increased chance of cancer, liver damage, kidney damage, and central nervous system damage.
To limit dangerous VOC’s in our home it’s important to use building materials, furnishings and cleaning products that are low-emitting, non irritating and non toxic. The best way to do this is by always opting for naturally derived materials, checking the labels for the nasties and pushing suppliers for more information on ingredients if it’s not clear. It’s important to note that children are even more susceptible than adults to indoor air pollutants.
Here are some of the ways to source items for your home without the damaging impact on your health and the environment.
Look closer
When something is ‘natural’ it doesn’t always mean that it won’t emit nasty VOC’s. Natural materials can often be treated with chemicals so always opt for organic wherever possible. Natural carpets, for example, are quite often backed and installed using chemicals, so make sure you read the fine print and talk to your contractor to gain more information. Much like paint, you might only smell the chemicals for a few days after carpet installation but the VOC’s can carry on emitting for years.
Antique and second hand
We’re always looking for natural, ethical, local, eco-friendly, organic, traceable, reclaimed, antique, or repurposed materials. New furniture made from manmade materials such as MDF will emit high levels of VOC’s for a very long time. Not only are we big advocates of antique, reclaimed and second hand furniture for it’s looks and environmental benefits, by sourcing this way you will be preventing VOC’s being emitted into your home.
Certification
Although wood does not off-gas volatile organic compounds or cause health problems, it cannot automatically be classed as environmentally friendly. Not all wood is harvested responsibly or obtained from sustainable sources. If wood is sourced from Forest Stewardship Council certified forests, buyers and sellers can rest assured that their wood products are not only renewable, but that they come from forests that are managed responsibly. Wood is also a reusable resource and its recycling needs less energy in comparison to other materials such as steel or aluminum.
There are 3 types of certification:
FSC 100%, virgin wood grown in forests certified by the Council as sustainably managed with responsible harvesting practices.
FSC Recycled, wood produced from recycled material, usually pre-consumer.
FSC Mixed, a product comprising a minimum of 70% FSC-certified or recycled wood, while the remainder is “controlled wood,” from sources the Council deems acceptable.
Another certification to look out for is Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, or PEFC, which is dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management.
Ventilation
Decreased ventilation in our homes can result in an increase in pollutant concentrations from furnishings, cleaning products and fragrances. Keeping windows open throughout the day is a good way to increase the air quality. The longer they’re open, and the less manmade materials we have in our homes, the better the air quality will be.
Mattresses
We spend, on average, a third of our lives in our bedroom yet don’t often give a second thought to sleeping on chemically made foam or think about that effects it could have on our health. If its foam – don’t buy it – as there is no way it can be chemical free. Always opt for mattresses made from organic, natural materials and you can sleep soundly. This is goes for all mattresses in your home, especially children’s. Our favourite, which has just won the Queens award for sustainable enterprise, is naturalmat.
Paint
Low or no VOC paint is extremely easy to source. Not only are these paints better for our environment and our health, the depth of colour created by natural pigments just cannot be replicated with chemicals. There are some incredible companies that are founded on low and no VOC paint, some of our favourites are Edward Bulmer and Francesca’s Paint.
Upholstery
Many, many newly made armchairs, sofas, headboards and ottomans are made using foam which is then also treated with more chemicals in order for it to pass strict fire regulations. We already know from mattresses that there is no way foam can be chemical free, so it’s best to avoid it entirely. Invest in traditionally made pieces with solid wood frames, springs and feathers which won’t emit chemicals. Naturally derived fabrics for the upholstery such as wool, cotton and linen are inherently fire retardant and those with a GOTS certification will be completely organic, too.
Whenever you work with Studio Mahala on an interior design project we have all of this, and much more, in mind. To find out more about our services click here