Everyone knows poor air quality can negatively affect your health. But did you know it can have the same negative effect on your business too?

One major metropolitan area reported that poor air quality caused more than half a million sick days in one year.

Business owners and landlords should take a serious hard look at how they can improve the quality of the air inside their establishments, including the biggest culprit of them all. One major contributor to poor air quality is called volatile organic compounds.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are one of the biggest culprits in creating poor air quality within buildings and are largely ignored when it comes to creating a cleaner environment.

We have created a complete guide to tell you everything you need to know about volatile organic compounds’ effects. Plus, learn how VOCs affect air quality and how you can keep your business and outdoor spaces free from their harmful effects.

What Are Volatile Organic Compounds Effects?

Volatile organic compounds are chemical compounds that are emitted in either a vapor or gas state from items we use every day. Think back to when you last lit a candle in the break room or wiped down the bathroom counters with a generic cleaning spray. The odds are that VOCs were being emitted in each of those items.

Don’t be fooled by the name, however. Just because something is organic does not mean it’s automatically safe, healthy, or non-toxic.

VOCs are one of the most significant contributors to pollution inside buildings. VOCs are often toxic and can have severe long-and short-term health consequences if you are exposed to them regularly. VOCs are not well-regulated, meaning they are slipped into everyday items used by businesses and households.

What Everyday Items Contain VOCs?

Unfortunately, your home and business probably have tons of items with secret VOCs. As mentioned above, these items include candles and everyday cleaners and are often used in a commercial setting.

But that is not all. VOCs are also found in air fresheners, disinfectants, paint thinners and strippers, building materials like caulks and sealants, and so much more. They are extremely common in most businesses, although most people have no idea they are present.

How Do VOCs Affect Air Quality?

Despite the presumed innocence of lighting a candle or plugging in an air freshener, VOCs harm air quality. The chemical particles emitted fill the air. This can sometimes cause unpleasant odors while affecting indoor air quality more than outdoors.

Outdoor spaces tend to have better ventilation systems. Humidity and fluctuating temperatures can also affect the levels of VOCs in the air.

If you are interested, running an air quality test in your business is advised to see how much of these volatile compounds affect air quality.

What Are the Negative Effects of VOCs?

Though VOCs are primarily unregulated, it does not mean that they are without harm. Long-term exposure to can cause respiratory issues, dizziness, headaches, and even cardiovascular problems. Once VOCs affect the air quality within your business, it is easily inhaled by anyone inside.

Reducing the amount in homes and businesses should be a top priority for anyone looking to improve their air quality and long-term health.

How Can You Reduce Volatile Organic Compounds Effects?

As dangerous as VOCs are for humans, there are solutions that you can implement to start reducing the adverse effects. Air purification solutions are typically the first line of defense in businesses and homes.

For those that want to be sure they get rid of as many VOCs as possible, there is something for you. There are VOC removal technologies that allow for quick removal from the air in your business.

The Secret Bonus to Removing VOCs From Your Business

The health benefits of removing VOCs from your business are apparent. But that’s not the only benefit it brings. Removing VOCs from your business (and making its removal a core part of your internal business strategy) can be a huge competitive differentiator.

Not only can you use your commitment to VOC removal as part of your environmental strategy, but also as part of your recruitment strategy. Many businesses seeking to bring employees back to the office post-COVID have to make working in an office as attractive as possible to compete against remote work.

Removing VOCs is good for your health. You should also let current and potential employees know about VOC removal. It can be your secret weapon in this current labor shortage.

Want to Learn How to Keep Your Business Indoor Air Quality Clear of VOCs?

Knowing volatile organic compounds’ effects is critical. It helps keep your business and outdoor spaces as clean and non-toxic as possible. Businesses that understand that VOCs affect air quality are far better equipped to mitigate the risks so that their employees and patrons can breathe cleaner air.

You need a partner who understands the intricacies of removing VOCs safely and efficiently. Atlantic Environmental has decades of experience in removing VOCs. They have great insight into specific requirements regulated by the OSHA and EPA.

We can help ensure that your ventilation systems can remove a majority of harmful VOCs. We can also recommend and provide proper respiratory protection to keep your employees safe. Contact us to get started on improving your air quality today.

Our air quality testing and training service areas are New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.