How Can I Reduce Volatile Organic Compounds in my home?

First, check for common sources of volatile organic compounds in your home. Look for unused chemicals such as paints, varnishes, solvents, adhesives, and fillers. New furniture, such as carpets, upholstered furniture or home furnishings made of composite wood, tends to release more volatile organic compounds.
Some steps to reduce exposure include:
Source Control: Remove or reduce the amount of products in your home that release volatile organic compounds.
Buy only the paints, solvents, adhesives, and fillers you need. Unused chemicals stored in the home can sometimes "leak" and release volatile organic compounds into the air.
Store unused chemicals in a garage or shed where people don't spend much time.
Dispose of unused chemicals stored in your home or garage. Check with your city or county for household hazardous waste collection locations.
Consider buying low-VOC paints and furniture.
When buying new clothes, look for floor models that can be degassed in stores. Solid wood products using low-emission surface treatments contain fewer volatile organic compounds than those manufactured using composite wood.
Ventilation and climate control: Increasing the amount of fresh air in your home will help reduce indoor voc concentrations.
Open doors and Windows to increase ventilation. Use a fan to maximize air intake from the outside.
Keep the temperature and relative humidity as low or comfortable as possible. Chemicals release more gas at high temperatures and humidity.
Try doing home renovations when the house is unoccupied or during a season that allows you to open doors and Windows for increased ventilation.