The Hidden Chemicals in Building Materials and Everyday Products — And How They Impact Your Health

Most people are shocked to learn that their homes — the places they expect to be the safest — can harbor hidden chemicals that impact their health every day.
The EPA estimates Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors [1], and studies show that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air [2].

Much of that pollution comes from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other hazardous chemicals released from building materials, furnishings, and everyday household products. These chemicals can off‑gas for months — even years — after installation or purchase, and many have been linked to respiratory problems, hormone disruption, and even cancer.

Let’s explore the top offenders, where they’re hiding, and how you can reduce your exposure.

What Are VOCs?

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are carbon‑based chemicals that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature.
They’re used in a wide range of products — from paints and adhesives to flooring and furniture.

While VOCs can occur naturally (for example, in pine trees), many synthetic VOCs found indoors are far from harmless.
Some evaporate quickly; others linger for years, continually releasing toxic compounds into the air you breathe.

Top 5 Chemicals of Concern in Homes

1. Formaldehyde

  • Where it’s found: Engineered wood products (MDF, particleboard, plywood), cabinetry, flooring, textiles, paints.

  • Health risks: Eye, nose, and throat irritation, asthma, cancer [3].

  • Why it’s a problem: Highly volatile with a low boiling point; off‑gasses even at cold temperatures.

  • Tip: Choose solid wood furniture or products labeled as formaldehyde‑free.

2. Benzene

  • Where it’s found: Paints, adhesives, cleaning products, gasoline fumes (from attached garages).

  • Health risks: Known human carcinogen linked to leukemia and blood cancers [4].

  • Tip: Avoid storing gasoline or fuel‑powered tools indoors. Use water‑based products whenever possible.

3. Toluene

  • Where it’s found: Paint thinners, adhesives, nail polish, spray foam insulation.

  • Health risks: Neurological effects, headaches, developmental risks for children [5].

  • Tip: Use low‑tox adhesives and nail care products; ventilate during and after use.

4. Isocyanates

  • Where it’s found: Spray foam insulation, polyurethane coatings, memory foam mattresses, garage floor epoxy.

  • Health risks: Asthma, respiratory sensitization [6].

  • Tip: Avoid spray foam unless installed by certified professionals with proper curing time; consider natural latex or innerspring mattresses.

5. Phthalates & Flame Retardants

  • Where it’s found: Vinyl flooring, carpeting, furniture, electronics, mattresses.

  • Health risks: Hormone disruption, reproductive toxicity, developmental effects [7].

  • Tip: Opt for natural fiber rugs, untreated upholstery, and phthalate‑free flooring.



Common Sources Around the Home

Building Materials

  • Spray foam insulation – Closed‑cell types have more complaints; improper installation can cause long‑term odor and VOC issues.

  • Pre‑engineered flooring – Adhesives can be a major VOC source, especially in glue‑down products.

  • Cabinetry & MDF furniture – Often contains urea‑formaldehyde resins.

  • Carpeting & rugs – Can contain styrene and flame retardants.

  • New paint – May contain coalescents like Texanol and solvents.

  • Garage floor coatings/epoxy – Isocyanates.

  • Gas stoves – Formaldehyde, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide.

 

Environmental & Industrial Sources

  • Living near freeways, plating companies, roofing companies, tire shops, golf courses.

  • Hobbies & professions – Photography (darkroom chemicals), hair and nail salons.

  • Other household products – Cleaning supplies, scented candles, air fresheners, memory foam mattresses.

Health Effects

Exposure to indoor chemical pollutants can cause:

  • Short‑term: Irritation of eyes, nose, and throat; headaches; dizziness; nausea.

  • Long‑term: Asthma, chronic respiratory illness, neurological effects, hormone disruption, cancer.

  • Vulnerable groups: People with chemical sensitivities, chronic illnesses (CIRS, MCAS), children, pregnant women.

How to Reduce Your Exposure

  1. Choose certified low‑VOC or zero‑VOC products (look for Greenguard Gold, Declare Label, Cradle to Cradle).

  2. Select natural materials — solid wood, untreated fabrics, natural fiber rugs.

  3. Ventilate well during installation or after purchasing new products.

  4. Use air filtration — HEPA + activated carbon filters.

  5. Seal existing off‑gassing materials with non‑toxic sealants like AFM Safecoat SafeSeal.

  6. Avoid scented candles and air fresheners — use air‑purifying plants instead.

  7. Read labels — request Safety Data Sheets (SDS) before purchase.

Where to Research Products

  • whatsinproducts.com – Search ingredients by product name.

  • PubChem – Chemical profiles and health data.

  • TILT Research – Research on chemical intolerance and environmental triggers.

  • EWG Healthy Living App – Safer product ratings.

Final Thoughts

Creating a healthier home starts with knowing what’s in the products and materials around you. While it’s impossible to eliminate all exposure, making informed choices can drastically lower your indoor chemical load.

At DesignWell Studios, we specialize in environmental testing, healthy material selection, and wellness‑focused design. If you’d like to learn more about how to assess and reduce chemical exposure in your home, schedule a consultation.

References

  1. EPA, The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality

  2. Environmental Protection Agency, Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) Study

  3. ATSDR, Toxicological Profile for Formaldehyde

  4. Department of Health and Human Services, Report on Carcinogens – Benzene

  5. CDC NIOSH, Toluene: Workplace Safety & Health Topics

  6. OSHA, Isocyanates: Health Effects

  7. Green Science Policy Institute, Six Classes of Harmful Chemicals