When homeowners are in the process of remodeling or redecorating their homes, it’s a good idea to use environmentally-friendly products. This can make a major difference for people that experience chemical sensitivities. The same holds true for office spaces and other work environments.

The Effect of Volatile Organic Compounds

A CBC Marketplace report indicated, for example, that when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are present in the environment, these can cause issues for people with these sensitivities. This is particularly the case when VOC levels exceed over 500 parts per billion.

You may also be interested in the results of a recent cognitive study that was held in an environmentally-controlled office space. The study participants spent six full work days in the TIEQ lab at the Syracuse Center of Excellence. Since the VOC levels were reduced to about 50 micrograms per cubic meter, and there was 40 cubic feet per minute of outdoor air for every person, this made a significant difference in their cognitive scores. When compared to individuals that worked in conventional workspaces that weren’t environmentally-controlled, the study participants scored 101% higher than their counterparts.

The Importance of Using VOC-Free Materials

If you’ve recently purchased a house, you may be thinking about having new floors installed. If the existing floors are over a year old, however, many of the VOCs will have already dissipated. Nevertheless, you may still want to install a new floor or paint and refinish it. In this instance, you’ll want to choose an organic product and use painting materials that are VOC-free.

Are you looking for environmentally friendly spray paint to refinish a piece of furniture? Or perhaps you need a polyurethane clear coat for your wooden floor. If you’ve recently resurfaced your deck, for example, you may want to cover it with a polyurethane clear coat after painting or staining it.

Even if you don’t experience sensitivities to chemicals, it’s still a good idea to use low VOC or VOC-free materials. When you use environmentally-friendly paint and other similar types of materials, you are creating a healthier environment for your family and friends. Furthermore, if you’re planning to refinish your office’s floors or paint the walls, this will create a healthier and more productive work environment for them as well.