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Step 1
Look for carpeting and rugs made of natural fibers. While all new carpeting is going to emit a certain amount of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) capable of causing adverse health effects, synthetic fibers tend to contain these in greater concentration.
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Step 2
Select water-based paints, and check for labels promoting low VOC levels. Some types of paints are even VOC-free! You can also obtain natural or organic paint made from plant oils, insect shells, beeswax and citrus extracts. These give off natural VOCs which may be less harmful than synthetic ones. Whichever type of paint you choose, make sure that any room in which you're painting is well-ventilated, and let the room air out for at least 3 days before you reoccupy it. You don't want to expose yourself needlessly to harmful vapors, not to mention that unpleasant new paint smell.
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Step 3
Use natural fiber or paper-based wallpapers instead of vinyl-based ones. Vinyl not only gives off VOCs but it also promotes the growth of mold, which can lead to respiratory complications,
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Step 4
Do not buy any new furniture which contains plywood, pressed wood or particle board. These types of wood often contain formaldehyde, which has been linked to breathing trouble and nose and throat irritation.
