The Health of Our Homes: VOCs, Indoor Air Quality and Their Impact on Well-being in the UK and Europe
Our homes are supposed to be safe havens, shielding us from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. But are they truly safe when considering the quality of the air we breathe indoors? A large concern in this domain are the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which have been linked to a plethora of health problems, which we explore in this article. In the U.K, Europe and many other nations around the world, we now typically spend up to 90% of our time indoors, of which 70% of that is in our own home.
Thinking about the impact of what is in our home, has never been more relevant.
What are VOCs?
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that have a high vapour pressure at room temperature, allowing them to easily evaporate into the air. They come from various sources, including paints, cleaning agents, furniture, air fresheners and even some electronic equipment.
The State of VOC Research in Europe and the UK
A recent systematic research study conducted on VOCs in European residences (see here for more info), including the UK, aimed to capture data on concentrations, emissions from indoor sources, and associated health effects. This study identified 65 individual VOCs. Among these:
Aromatic hydrocarbons (14 chemicals), alkane hydrocarbons (9), and aldehydes (8) were the most commonly measured.
A staggering 52 VOCs were traced back to building and construction materials, including brick, wood products, and adhesives.
41 VOCs were associated with everyday consumer products like air fresheners, hair sprays, and deodorants.
Only 9 VOCs were linked to space heating, pointing towards a limited amount of research available for emissions from this source.
VOCs from Building & Construction Materials
Building and construction materials have been identified as a major source of VOC emissions in European homes from the study mentioned above. These materials contribute to 52 of the 65 VOCs identified in the study:
Brick & Wood Products: These foundational elements of construction such as plasterboard, MDF and lower grades of Plywood including bricks can all release various VOCs. Aromatic hydrocarbons, which form a significant chunk of the VOCs identified, may originate from these sources. Health-wise, aromatic hydrocarbons have been associated with respiratory health effects.
Adhesives: Used in a variety of applications from flooring to wallpaper, adhesives and sealants can release aldehydes and other VOCs. Many aldehydes, such as formaldehyde, are known irritants and can exacerbate respiratory conditions.
Flooring Installation Materials: Materials like vinyl, laminate, or the glues used to secure them can be sources of alkanes, aromatic hydrocarbons, and other VOCs. Alkanes are a concern as they've been associated with respiratory health issues.
VOCs from Consumer Products
Consumer products were found to be responsible for 41 of the identified VOCs:
Air Fresheners (Passive, Electric, and Combustible): A common source of indoor VOCs, especially terpenes and esters. While terpenes often give a pleasant scent, they can act as irritants. Esters, on the other hand, have a fruity aroma but can also irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.
Hair Sprays & Deodorants: Aerosol products like these often contain chlorinated hydrocarbons and other VOCs. Some members of the chlorinated hydrocarbon family are associated with cardiovascular, neurological, and carcinogenic health effects.
Household Cleaning Agents: Many cleaning agents release aliphatic hydrocarbons, glycol, glycol ethers, and other VOCs. Glycols and glycol ethers can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.
Notable Mentions:
Formaldehyde: Although concentrations have decreased over the years, formaldehyde is still a concern due to its potential to irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and its classification as a human carcinogen.
Acetone: Highlighted as abundant but underreported, acetone is commonly used in nail polish removers and some paint formulations. It can cause irritation if inhaled in large amounts and can affect the central nervous system.
Health Implications:
It's imperative to note that not all VOCs have the same impact on health. The study highlighted:
A significant number of aromatic hydrocarbons, alkanes, and aldehydes were associated with respiratory health issues.
Some members of the chlorinated hydrocarbon family were connected to cardiovascular, neurological, and carcinogenic health effects.
Esters and terpenes, though lesser in number, acted as irritants.
A silver lining was the noted decrease in concentrations of formaldehyde over the years. However, acetone emerged as a dominant, yet underreported problem.
Mitigating Risks:
Given the omnipresence of VOCs in our homes:
Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation, especially when using VOC-emitting products.
Choose Wisely: Opt for 'low-VOC' or 'VOC-free' products whenever possible.
Plants: Incorporate indoor plants known for reducing VOC levels, like spider plants and peace lilies.
Stay Informed: Understanding the sources and effects of VOCs empowers homeowners to make informed decisions.
A Commitment to Healthier Living: The Tiny Housing Co's Approach
In the ever-evolving landscape of housing and construction, research consistently points to certain materials as major contributors to indoor VOC emissions. Notably, composite boards like MDF and particleboard, lower-grade plywood, and specific adhesives have been identified as significant sources.
At The Tiny Housing Co, we've always been at the forefront of prioritising the health and well-being of our residents. In light of the recent findings on VOCs, we've taken decisive actions:
Transitioning to Superior Materials: 2022 marked our shift away from MDF and lower-quality plywood. We embraced Huntonit Boards and Baltic Birch Plywood, renowned not just for their durability but also for their reduced VOC emissions.
Rethinking Wall Solutions: While we've never used Gypsum boards, we occasionally opt for Fermacell boards. These boards are not only comparable in their utility but also score higher in promoting healthier indoor environments.
Rigorous Standards for Adhesives & Paints: We've entirely discarded the use of high-VOC adhesives, mastics, and sealants. Instead, our homes are painted with zero-VOC paints from Tikkurila, ensuring a beautiful finish without compromising air quality.
Boosting Air Quality with MVHR: Our homes come fitted with a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system. This advanced system not only conserves energy but also plays a pivotal role in keeping indoor air fresh and free from pollutants.
Quality, Healthy & Longlasting Flooring: Our commitment extends to the flooring we select. Our chosen laminate supplier, Quickstep, champions indoor air quality. By controlling in-house production, they guarantee minimal VOC emissions, with their formaldehyde output being tenfold below EU standards and undetectable in vinyl flooring. Their dedication is reflected in esteemed certifications like the A & A+ labels for low emissions, and the M1 emission label for non-toxic, odourless products. Their commitment to sustainability is further endorsed by the PEFC, EU Ecolabel, and the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. Partnering with them reaffirms our dedication to your well-being.
As you can see, our pledge is unwavering. By reducing VOCs to the barest minimum, we stay true to our People Centred Construction Philosophy. It's not just about building homes; it's about ensuring those homes are sanctuaries of health and happiness.
In a world where health has taken centre stage, The Tiny Housing Co continues to innovate, ensuring our homes are not just spaces to live in, but spaces where life truly thrives.
Conclusion:
Our homes' indoor air quality is paramount for our well-being. Europe and the UK have taken measures to understand VOC emissions and their effects, but it's upon us as consumers to ensure we breathe safe and clean air in our own homes as in the UK, especially in the holiday accommodation sector or our housing stock, not enough is being done in terms of harmful chemicals & VOCs - and that’s why we’ve taken a stand to do our bit for you.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your project, be it for your own home, a secondary space or for holiday purposes. Choosing The Tiny Housing Co as your partner ensures that you’re selecting a healthier choice.
