From paint to cabinets, consumers are increasingly concerned about the chemicals in their homes – and with good reason. carpeting, paint and even the materials in showers might contain harmful volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), which are emitted as gases from certain solid materials.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the level of VOC’s inside the home can be up to 10 times higher than the level outside, and “include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long term adverse health effects.” In climates where houses are often sealed up completely during long winters or very hot summers, the problem can be exacerbated.
When planning a project, such as a bathroom or kitchen, look for options that can help improve indoor air quality.
Low-VOC materials: While many bath/shower materials may have high concentrations of VOC’s, there are alternatives available. A number of products are made of material carry the GREENGUARD GOLD certification, which means they won’t emit harmful chemicals.
Eliminate caulk: According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), caulk can emit harmful VOC’s. The good news is the amount of caulk required for bath/shower installation has decreased on many models over the past decade.