Renovating

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are synthetic and natural substances that are emitted from everyday products and materials – even at room temperature. These include various household chemicals, solvents contained in glues, varnishes or other paint materials. Terpenes, for example, can be found naturally in some wood or are added to products as a scent, solvent or gluing agent. VOCs can be found in every flat or house.

SVOCs (Semi Volatile Organic Compounds) are released over a longer period of time and are deposited in dust and on other surfaces.

VOCs and SVOCs impact on the indoor air quality and can, depending on the type, cause different reactions and symptoms such as headaches, concentration difficulties, respiratory and eye irritations, dizziness and tiredness. Completely removing such substances from your rooms will be nearly impossible, but you can reduce the concentration considerably. Do not use or buy furniture that emits a strong smell. Choose low emission paints and varnishes. Avoid cleaning products in spray containers. And most importantly: give the rooms a good and thorough airing on a regular basis. For more information about indoor air quality, see the website of the Health and Environment Alliance HEAL.

The new children's room gets a lot of attention. But what kind of room should it be? For a start, it is usually enough just to put a cot and a baby changing table into the parents` bedroom. If there is a separate room for the child then the following things should be considered: A child does not need to have the largest room but there should be enough space to play on the ground. If possible, chose a room that is not next to the street in order to decrease noise and vehicle exhaust exposure. Direct access to a balcony is not advisable or the balcony door should be lockable with a key. It is more convenient if the room is close to the parents` bedroom – for a start at least. It is, therefore, not so far to get to your child at night.