Living in a healthy home is crucial for a healthy life. This involves buying household products which are beneficial for yourself and for the environment.
Would you want to live in a home where you don’t feel quite safe? Probably not.
Paying attention even to the smallest details can make a difference.
Low VOC Vinyl Plank Flooring
Take low VOC vinyl plank flooring as an example. This is a type of flooring which has low volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions, which can make it a safer option for your home.
Eco-friendly curtains are part of the same category of products. They are made of materials which are safe for the environment and for you to use them.
Having low VOC vinyl plank flooring in your home can have some great advantages.
Benefits of low VOC vinyl plank flooring
Low VOC emissions in your home
Low VOC emissions translate into a safer and healthier indoor air for you and your loved ones.
VOC emissions have been linked to certain health problems, particularly respiratory ones.
Using low VOC vinyl plank flooring keeps you away from these compounds and takes care of your health.
Companies should have information about this topic on their website and in the products descriptions. Before making any purchasing decision, do a little research in this direction.
Does not require high-maintenance
Low VOC vinyl plank flooring is pretty easy to maintain.
You use a damp mop to remove dirt (instead of a broomstick) and cleaning products that are suitable for vinyl flooring.
In order to maintain the surface of the flooring, try and avoid sweeping. This is why you may want to avoid using a broomstick.
You should learn more about how to clean your low VOC vinyl plank flooring from the product package/description/details.
If you’re interested in this topic, you should also check out natural disinfectant cleaner.
It can be quite low-priced
Low VOC vinyl plank flooring can be quite-low priced.
Yet, this varies from one product and manufacturing company to another. You may find products are low and convenient prices, but you can also come across expensive types of vinyl flooring.
Pay attention to these details when you plan on buying such flooring.
It’s water resistant
When low VOC vinyl plank flooring is installed properly, it can successfully resist water penetration (in certain quantities, don’t think of huge flood-like water amounts).
It can represent a great flooring option for your bathroom, kitchen and other places with high levels of humidity and moisture.
It is a resistant material
Vinyl is quite a resistant material, from different points of view.
First of all, it’s durable and if kept properly, it can last long periods of time.
Low VOC vinyl plank flooring has an additional advantage as well. If one plank suffers damages, it can be easily replaced, without the need of changing the entire floor.
Vinyl flooring is resistant to stains. Certain types of vinyl planks such as sheets and printed vinyl tiles have a ‘protective’ layer above, that just needs to be cleaned.
Other types of vinyl flooring such as solid and composite vinyl do not have this layer and may require some additional care like stripping and polishing.
Why are low VOCs so important?
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are gases which are emitted from different solids and liquids. A few sources of VOCs are:
- paints
- solvents
- aerosol sprays
- wood preservatives
- pesticides
- cleansers
- pesticides
- building materials
This set of chemicals is known for causing certain health problems like:
- irritations of the eyes, nose, and throat
- headaches
- nausea
- damages of the nervous system, kidney, and liver
These health problems usually appear when people are exposed to certain quantities (possibly larger ones). It depends on several factors such as how much time you spend in such an environment and how strong your body and immune system are.
The main idea is that constant exposure to VOCs may pose a threat to your health in the short and long run.
There are ways to reduce exposure to VOCs. As greater levels are found indoors than outdoor, these tips focus on reducing VOC exposure inside your home.
- Make sure your home is ventilated properly, especially if you know you’re using products which emit VOCs
- Pay attention to and respect the instructions mentioned on the package of such products (e.g. household products)
- Try and avoid certain substances such as formaldehyde; this is a chemical known for being an indoor pollutant. Go for formaldehyde-free items.
If you’re interested in this topic, check out formaldehyde-free paper towels.
Quick facts about vinyl flooring
Vinyl flooring appeared in the 1930s and it was a great influence in the architectural industry after World War II.
In the 1950s, it became a widely chosen option in terms of flooring due to the fact that it had a low price and a high resistance to water.
Vinyl flooring is a type of resilient flooring. Resilient flooring refers to types of flooring which are made of artificial sets of components such as vinyl, plastic, PVC, linoleum, rubber.
Keep in mind that not all types of resilient flooring are eco-friendly! Those made of plastic or PVC can be quite harmful to the environment.
As compared to them, vinyl and linoleum are more eco-friendly options for your home.
If you’re interested in low VOC vinyl plank flooring, check out BPA-free disposable plastic cups.