Have you ever wondered what happens to the chemicals inside your home once they leave the bottle… or the carpet, paint, or sofa? Dr. Charles Weschler joins us to unpack the surprising science of indoor chemistry, revealing how modern materials quietly release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your home’s air, onto dust, and even through your skin. He explains how post–World War II innovations such as synthetic compounds, polymers, and chemical additives found in everything from carpets to cleaners to flame retardants can contribute to indoor air pollution and affect your health. Dr. Weschler offers simple, science-backed strategies to minimize exposure, while warning against chemical-producing cleaning devices that may do more harm than good. Tune in to discover how small changes in your cleaning habits and home environment can lead to big improvements in your indoor air and your health.
Episode Highlights
- What is indoor chemistry and what are VOCs? (4:45)
- What are some surprising sources of chemical exposures in our homes, and how do those chemicals interact in indoor air? (7:49)
- How do modern indoor chemicals impact human health? (13:33)
- How does dermal absorption of indoor chemicals occur? (17:01)
- What’s the healthiest way to clean and reduce chemical exposure? (22:58)
- How does ozone affect us indoors? (32:36)
- Are chemical-generating cleaning devices helpful or hurtful? (37:50)
- What are the best solutions to reduce and prevent harmful chemical emissions indoors? (44:29)
Download the transcript here.
Links mentioned in interview:
Weschler, C. J., Dr. (2009). Changes in indoor pollutants since the 1950s. Atmospheric Environment, 43(1), 153-169.
https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2008.09.044:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1352231008009205?via%3Dihub
Flame Retardants, Formaldehyde & Your Indoor Air Interview with Lara Adler:
https://changetheairfoundation.org/flame-retardants-formaldehyde-your-indoor-air/
Safer Flooring Choices for Your Home Interview with Andy Pace:
https://changetheairfoundation.org/safer-flooring-choices-for-your-home/
The Truth About VOCs, Greenwashing, and Healthy Homes: Part 1 Interview with Andy Pace:
https://changetheairfoundation.org/the-truth-about-vocs-greenwashing-and-healthy-homes-part-1/
How to Test & Reduce VOCs in Your Home’s Air Interview with Sarah Mack:
https://changetheairfoundation.org/how-to-test-reduce-vocs-in-your-homes-air/
What’s That Smell? mVOCs & Mold Interview with Jason Earle:
https://changetheairfoundation.org/whats-that-smell-mvocs-mold/
Your Deep Clean Blueprint: Part 1 Interview with John Banta:
https://changetheairfoundation.org/your-deep-clean-blueprint-part-1/
Your Deep Clean Blueprint: Part 2 Interview with John Banta:
https://changetheairfoundation.org/your-deep-clean-blueprint-part-2/
Science in Action: How to Build a Corsi-Rosenthal Box:
https://engineering.ucdavis.edu/news/science-action-how-build-corsi-rosenthal-box
Learn About the V in HVAC: Ventilation Basics with Corbett Lunsford:
https://changetheairfoundation.org/understanding-hvac-d-episode-8/
The CO₂ Connection: A Hidden Clue to Indoor Air Quality Interview with Dr. Allison Bailes:
https://changetheairfoundation.org/the-co₂-connection-a-hidden-clue-to-indoor-air-quality/
Understanding Air Cleaners & Purifiers with Carl Grimes Interview with Carl Grimes:
https://changetheairfoundation.org/understanding-air-cleaners-purifiers-with-carl-grimes/
Get in touch with our guest:
Dr. Charles Weschler’s LinkedIn profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cweschler/
Learn more about Change the Air Foundation:
https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org
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