VOCs and MVOCs

Have you ever wondered what is actually living in your carpet that the deep cleaning of carpets and the elimination of dust mites and common allergens includes?

The two main components are called VOCs and MVOCs that are living in your home and posing a threat to your health if you have carpeting that needs to be cleaned or if you’ve recently installed new carpet. Here is a small chemistry lesson to help you better understand chemical and biological toxins introduced in to your home that a deep cleaning of your carpets eliminates:

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are chemicals with certain characteristics that allow them to easily evaporate into the air (which is called “off-gas”). Those characteristics include: low molecular weights, high vapor pressure and low water solubility. VOC's can be produced through industrial or biological processes. In the industrial setting, VOC's are commonly used or are created as by-products in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, refrigerants, petroleum fuels, household cleaners, and other products. VOC's can also be produced by microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria. (source)

VOCs come not only from the carpet itself, but also due to the adhesives and padding installed underneath the carpet. Many health symptoms occur commonly in connection with the installation of new carpet such as headaches, fatigue, irritation of your eyes, nose, throat or skin and shortness of breath.

MVOCs (Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds) are composed of low molecular weight alcohols, aldehydes, amines, ketones, terpenes, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons, and sulfur-based compounds, all of which are variations of carbon-based molecules. MVOC's have a very low odor threshold, thus, making them easily detectable by smell. They often have strong odors and are responsible for the odious smells ("old cheese", dirty socks" or "locker room") associated with mold and bacterial growth. (source)

The “danky” odor of MVOCs is its most common tell-tale sign. Especially in damp or moist climates, MVOCs thrive and pose serious health risks to you and your family. Common health problems related to the exposure of MVOCs are joint and muscle pain, anxiety, depression, memory loss, immune system disturbances and gastro-intestinal issues.

Microbial compounds, bacteria, mold, and fungi are serious issues that pose very real dangers to your health. The regular cleaning of your home’s carpets helps reduce VOCs and MVOCs not only from carpets, but from many other sources in your home. A deep cleaning along with a regular maintenance program from Gator Clean eliminates the presence of these dangerous components helping your family breathe easier right away.

It cannot be emphasized enough that proper cleaning and maintenance is vital to ensuring a healthy environment in your home. Contact Gator Clean today to schedule a free consultation.