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Cleaning or Polluting? The Hidden Risks of VOCs in Household Cleaning Products

Episode Summary

Is that post-carpet cleaning lemon scent masking something dangerous? In this article, get to know off-gassing and why some manufacturers are developing new cleaning solutions to end it for good.Learn more at https://soapfreeprocyon.com/

Episode Notes

For many, the smell of freshly cleaned floors or newly scrubbed countertops feels like a sign of a healthy home. But what if that sharp, chemical scent lingering in the air is actually doing more harm than good?

Hidden in countless household cleaners are volatile organic compounds, or VOCs--chemicals found in cleaning products, degreasers, and carpet shampoos that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. These products release their VOC content through a process called off-gassing, which takes no effort on the part of users, as it happens whenever the cleaning product is used.

"Many consumers are unaware that their go-to cleaning products may be contributing to poor indoor air quality," says a spokesperson from Plus Manufacturing, Inc., a company spearheading research on VOC-free cleaning solutions. “You can’t always see or smell these gases, but they’re there, and they can accumulate, especially in tightly sealed buildings.”

Off-gassing happens when chemicals used in manufacturing or product formulation slowly release into the surrounding environment. In cleaning products, VOCs evaporate during and after use, meaning that even after a bathroom has been cleaned, the indoor air could be filled with chemical residue.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, short-term exposure to VOCs can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. For those with asthma or allergies, these compounds may worsen respiratory symptoms. Worse, long-term exposure has been linked to damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, and in some cases, even cancer.

People tend to overlook their cleaning supplies when they think about air quality, but VOCs from cleaning products are a significant contributor to poor indoor environments, particularly in homes with pets, children, or individuals with compromised immune systems.

Unlike outdoor pollutants, which disperse more easily, indoor air contaminants like VOCs become trapped in modern, energy-efficient homes that are designed to seal in heat or cool air. This means harmful fumes can linger much longer than most people realize.

The good news is that awareness is driving change. In response to growing health concerns, several manufacturers have begun to develop low-emission or emission-free cleaning products that minimize harm to indoor air quality.

Plus Manufacturing, Inc., for instance, has been developing soap- and VOC-free products that can be used at home or in a commercial setting. The company’s PROCYON Soap Free Spot & Stain Remover is endorsed by the Carpet and Rug Institute, Green Seal, and other independent testers for safety and environmental impact.

“The future of cleaning is VOC-free,” its spokesperson adds. “Today’s alternatives clean just as well as conventional products, but without the toxic tradeoffs.”

To learn more about these soap-free alternatives, click the link in the description. Plus Manufacturing, Inc. City: Spokane Address: 2704 N Madelia St Website: https://soapfreeprocyon.com/