The air inside your home in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, may be more detrimental to your health than outdoor air. Besides dust, pollen, and pet dander, your indoor air may also contain harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to a wide array of health problems. Here are three common symptoms of VOC exposure:
Nose and Throat Irritation
One of the most common health effects of exposure to VOCs is nose and throat irritation, which can lead to symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and stuffy nose. Since these symptoms are similar to cold symptoms, it can be difficult for you to determine whether they result from poor indoor air quality. If the symptoms disappear shortly after you leave your home, it’s an indication that your indoor air has unhealthy levels of VOCs.
Headaches and Fatigue
If someone in your home is experiencing headaches and fatigue more often than usual, it may be because of exposure to methylene chloride. Methylene chloride is a VOC that’s found in adhesive removers, paint strippers, and aerosol spray paints. When it enters the human body, it’s converted to carbon monoxide and leads to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure to high levels of methylene chloride can result in more severe conditions such as loss of consciousness and irreversible brain damage.
Asthma Symptoms
VOCs can also increase the risk of asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, rapid breathing, and anxiety. Exposure to high concentrations of these contaminants can trigger an asthma attack, which may require emergency medical care or hospitalization. A wide array of VOCs can contribute to asthma symptoms, including biological growth, wood-burning stoves, household cleaning products, perfumes, paints, and cigarette smoke.
Improving air circulation and lowering humidity levels in your home can help reduce the concentrations of VOCs in your indoor air. Contact Coastal Air Solutions at (843) 482-0407 to find out about our indoor air quality services.
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