How Can I Tell Where Volatile Organic Compounds Are Coming From?

If you experience symptoms of pollution irritation in the home or office, but can't pin down the source, check a list of the following for possible culprits:

1. New carpets or recent tile installation.

2. New plastic containers, computer accessories, and plastic-coated devices.

3. Improperly stored cleaning materials.

4. New painting.

5. New furniture.

All of these things can emit VOCs. Unfortunately this is not a case of particle control, so any air purification systems you purchase to help deal with the problem must be designed to rid the air of vapors as well as particles. Sometimes a simple ventilation of the area may be all that's needed, other times you'll need air purification.