Future research and standards
The U.S. has air quality standards for outside air and for the workplace, but none for the home. Case in point: Don’t assume that paints labeled odor-free aren’t going to put chemicals into the air. A paint can that lists VOC percentages may not even list some of those that are harmful to humans; those federally-mandated disclosures are aimed at outdoor pollution and VOCs that affect the ozone layer. A growing body of research on indoor air pollution will better inform building codes and maintenance standards to ensure adequate fresh air exchange. As the building and heating and cooling industries continue to work with government to set standards and guidelines, new technologies will help make the air cleaner as well. One potential tool against VOCs is currently in development: Photo catalytic air cleaners that reportedly destroy pollutants like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide.
