What are VOCS (Volatile Organic Compounds, and How Can You Get Rid of VOCs in Your Home?

While many New Zealanders are becoming more conscious of the air quality in their outdoor environment, indoor air quality is just as critical – especially in well-insulated modern homes. That means it’s particularly important to monitor the types and levels of airborne pollutants in your home’s air. There are many pollutants of this nature, but one of the most overlooked?
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds.
Air quality science tells us these airborne chemicals are all around us, and are released by furniture, household cleaners, heating appliances and more. Over time, they can accumulate and contribute to poor air quality in the home.
Thankfully, technologies like Dyson air purifiers are specifically engineered to identify and reduce VOCs from your environment. In this guide, we’ll explore what VOCs are, where they come from, and how to get rid of VOCs in the home with practical lifestyle tips and the help of Dyson’s advanced range of air purifiers.

What are VOCs, and what does VOC stand for?

VOC is short for volatile organic compound – but what are volatile organic compounds, exactly? VOCs are a group of gases that evaporate easily at room temperature. They’re often emitted from materials or products typically found and used around the home: including furniture, flooring, and cleaning sprays.
VOC concentrations are typically measured in parts per billion (ppb) or milligrams per cubic metre (mg/m³). While some VOCs are benign, others can accrue over time and affect your home’s air quality – especially in spaces with less airflow.

What are the main types of VOCs?

There are hundreds of VOCs that can be present indoors, each with unique sources and properties. The most common include:

• Formaldehyde – off-gassed from new furniture, plywood, fabrics, and paints
• Benzene – found in smoke, adhesives, and some detergents
• Toluene – used in nail polish, glues, and paint thinners
• Xylene – a solvent often present in varnishes
• Acetone – common in synthetic fragrances and cosmetic removers

Some of these VOCs have distinctive odours, but others – formaldehyde in particular – are completely undetectable without the right technology.

What are the common sources of VOCs indoors?

Everyday activities can release VOCs into the air. These include:

• Applying paint or varnish
• Using disinfectants and chemical cleaners
• Burning candles or incense
• Installing new furniture or flooring
• Cooking with gas stoves

Using aerosol sprays or fragranced personal care products

Even when ventilation is adequate, small daily exposures can build up – especially in homes that are sealed to retain heat. That’s why it’s important to manage VOC levels proactively, which we’ll explore below.

Why it’s important to reduce VOCs in the home

VOCs in the air are a major component of domestic air pollution. Even short-term exposure to elevated VOC levels may lead to:

• Eye, throat, or nasal irritation
• Dizziness or headaches
• Increased asthma sensitivity

Longer-term exposure, especially to compounds like benzene or formaldehyde, may carry additional risks. That’s why reducing VOC exposure in enclosed spaces is essential: especially in bedrooms, nurseries, and living areas. What’s more, clean air that’s free of VOCs has advantages for your health, stress levels, and productivity – and can even improve your quality of sleep.

Understanding what VOCs are (and how to remove them) is the key to a healthier home. Next, take a step towards a cooler home – with our guide to keeping your home cool during those hot New Zealand summers.