I hope that your health improves quickly. I sympathize as I'm highly sensitive to many products that outgas VOCs. Avoiding these chemicals requires discipline a

I hope that your health improves quickly. I sympathize as I'm highly sensitive to many products that outgas VOCs. Avoiding these chemicals requires discipline and can be expensive, but the improvement to immediate quality of life is worth it (not to mention possible long term health benefits). For home items, my strategy is to try to purchase products containing as much natural content as possible. Solid woods as opposed to particle board or MDF, natural fiber rugs if possible, avoid scented products and harsh cleaners. However, even this isn't fool proof. During a recent carpentry project I discovered that some softwoods outgas these compounds as well. In my case, VOC sensitivity seems to be the result of cumulative exposure: On a large architectural project I spent many weeks inside a buttoned up building that was being painted. Came down with severe respiratory symptoms that resembled a bad flu. Eventually I recovered but ten years on I'm sensitive as a canary to the stuff. I recommend that folks work in a well ventilated area or use a charcoal filter respirator when using anything having significant fumes. Even small doses of these chemicals are probably worth avoiding.