Volatile Organic Compounds (AKA VOCs)

Washing your hands, cleaning your clothing, and sanitizing countertops are routine tasks. They all have one thing in common, in modern times a chemically created soap is at the center of the cleaning process. However, it's crucial to consider what is exactly in these soaps, detergents, and cleaners because your body is coming into direct contact.

Typically, the term "organic" conveys a positive connotation, but not in this context. Organic solvents, alternatively referred to as VOCs or volatile organic compounds, are carbon-based substances with the potential to dissolve into other materials. Unfortunately, these solvents can be carcinogenic, neurotoxic, harmful to the reproductive system, and even contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. 

Beyond triggering autoimmune diseases, exposure to these chemicals can worsen or induce allergies, skin problems, asthma, and various inflammatory conditions. They can have detrimental effects on a child's development and how it may influence their susceptibility to other diseases later in life. [1]

They include:

• Benzene
• Trichloroethylene
• Formaldehyde
• Ether
• Ethyl acetate
• Hexane
• Toluene
• Chloroform

Organic chemicals encompass the majority of compounds constituting living matter. While only a limited number of them exhibit volatility, certain ones like methane and benzene occur naturally. However, numerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are synthetic chemicals that are either rare or absent in nature. Due to the diverse nature of VOCs, their effects on health are equally varied. Possible consequences include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, breathing difficulties, nausea, damage to the central nervous system and other organs, and, in severe cases, the potential for cancer. [2]

These ingredients can be found in both laundry detergent and cleaning supplies. With O3waterworks Smart Laundry System Plus, you can ditch these household items for good. The Smart Laundry System Plus easily connects to your laundry machine and creates a natural cleaning solution on demand. It’s a simple way to never need laundry detergent again and say goodbye to VOCs. With its splitter attachment, you can create buckets of enhanced oxygen to wipe down counters and surfaces and clean without toxic, harsh chemicals. 

Why many over-the-counter cleaners are trying to label themselves as “fragrance-free”, “hypoallergenic”, or “green”, they still include a long list of chemical compounds to create their desired cleaning result. With O3, you can sanitize and deodorize with only two ingredients, water and oxygen.

1. Smith, Nicole T. “Is Your Soap Putting You at Risk for Autoimmune Disease?” The Pampered Porcupine Acupuncture. https://www.thepamperedporcupine.com/post/is-your-soap-putting-you-at-risk-for-autoimmune-disease.  February 6, 2023. 
2. Persellin, Ketrua. “What Are VOCs?”. EWG. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2023/09/what-are-vocs. September 11, 2023