Opt for Low-VOC Products

Many common household products, including paints, wood stains, glues, carpets, and furniture, emit volatile organic compounds (VOC), which are a major contributor to indoor air pollution, and may be harmful to human health. To avoid exposure to airborne toxins and carcinogens like formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and benzene look for products with zero or low VOC content.

In fact, for every gallon of conventional paint, stain, or sealant you replace with a gallon of low VOC coating, you'll prevent an estimated 25 pounds of VOCs from wafting through your home-this is roughly equal to the amount of VOCs emitted by the average car over the course of an entire year.