Off-gassing is the slow release of chemicals from materials into the air. New paint, furniture boards, vinyl floors, foam and synthetic fabrics all do it, most strongly when they're new and when rooms are warm and closed up.
Why indoor air is often worse than outdoor air
We spend most of our time indoors, and indoor air is where these chemicals collect. The US EPA reports that indoor concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher than outdoors, up to ten times higher, and that elevated concentrations can persist in the air long after an activity like painting is finished.
Five ways to cut it down
- Choose low-emission materials first. The best fix is not bringing the chemicals in. Natural paints, formaldehyde-free boards and PVC-free floors make the biggest difference.
- Ventilate hard during and after work. Keep windows open and fans running for days after painting or installing furniture.
- Let new things air out. Unwrap furniture and rugs in a ventilated space before bringing them into bedrooms.
- Prioritise bedrooms and kids' rooms. These are the rooms where people spend the most hours with doors shut.
- Seal raw board edges with a natural oil if you already have MDF furniture.
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