Do office items like furniture and carpets release VOCs?
Yes, everyday office items produce VOCs (volatile organic compounds):
- Furniture:
- Particleboard/laminated items emit more than solid wood
- New furniture releases formaldehyde
- Dining tables often have highest emission rates
- Carpets:
- Highest emissions in first 72 hours
- Emit formaldehyde, benzene, styrene
- 90% of VOCs dissipate within 2 days
- Cleaning products:
- Many contain VOCs like acetone
- Office equipment:
- Printers and photocopiers emit VOCs