Search

Offgassing

Does that unmistakable "new rug smell" or "new car smell" make you woozy? That's because the smell is actually caused by offgassing-the release of a gas or vapor into the air during the process of aging, evaporating, or decomposing. Many building materials, types of flooring, plastics, furnishings, paints, and clothing finishes offgas (or outgas) potentially hazardous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The health risks can range from temporary eye irritation to organ damage. Offgassing abates as time goes on, and you can minimize your exposure to offgassed chemicals by purchasing products marked no-VOC or low-VOC, and by airing out newly painted or carpeted rooms for a few days before settling in.

 

Top Searched Terms

 
 
                    

    Browse Glossary :
A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  All
Advertisement

Quiz of the Day
    Q: When you're washing clothes, is it better for the environment to use non-toxic soap in a plastic bottle, or conventional powder in a box?

Green Tip of the Day
   Unplug the Stereo

Chances are good that you have a stereo. And chances are also good that your stereo has...

 >>Continue

Word of the Day
   Varnish

Products involved in refinishing are often powerful enough to knock your socks off, which is why these jobs are best done outdoors or with every window thrown open wide. This thin, clear, typically oil-based liquid coating, applied to wood and other hard surfaces for a durable, protective finish, is one good example. Solvents found in most varnishes emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause skin and lung irritation, and even long-term illness and cancer. Fortunately, it's possible to find solvent-free natural varnishes such those based on linseed oil.
Go to Definition

How to Guides
   How to Talk to an Architect about Sustainable Homes

Seeing pages and pages of glossy magazine photos of sustainable homes replete with glass panels...

 >>Read More
Copyright © BlueEgg.com. All rights reserved.
No part of the content or the data or information included herein may be reproduced, replicated or redistributed without the prior written permission of BlueEgg.com.
Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Use Agreement and Privacy Policy.