Indoor Air Quality:
New Materials
They may look beautiful, but these new materials often contain formaldehyde and other volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). As a result, they can emit gases that can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, nausea, wheezing and coughing, fatigue, skin rash, and allergic reactions. At higher levels of exposure, damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system can occur.
Products containing VOCs may include:
- New Carpet and Padding
- New Furniture
- Draperies and Other Fabrics
- Particle Board – Used in Cabinets, Subflooring, Shelving, etc.
- Paint
- Paneling
What to do:
- Have new carpet aired out before installation
- Leave your home while new carpet is being installed.
- For new furniture, drapes, and paint, maintain a moderate home temperature and humidity.
- Increase ventilation.
