First of all, what are VOCs?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemical substances that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. They are found in many everyday products such as solvents, adhesives, paints, cleaning products, furniture, and electronics. Some VOCs can irritate the airways, damage and dry out the nasal mucosa.

In people with Empty Nose Syndrome, VOCs can worsen pain, trigger burning or irritation sensations, increase nasal dryness, and further disrupt the sensory functions of the nasal lining.

So these are clearly harmful gases for those of us living with Empty Nose Syndrome. That’s why it’s essential to reduce their presence as much as possible in your living environment.

What You Can Do:

• Avoid buying new items (computers, furniture, appliances): VOC emissions are highest during the first few months after manufacturing.
• Choose inert materials like stainless steel, glass, ceramic, and aluminum.
• Prefer untreated solid wood over particleboard or plywood, which are full of glue.
• Ventilate regularly: open your windows often or install an efficient mechanical ventilation system.
• Be cautious with air purifiers: there are many devices with activated carbon filters designed to trap VOCs, but in my experience, they haven’t been very effective.

Also note that some irritating VOCs come from "natural" sources. For example, essential oils or certain natural woods (like cedar or pine) can emit VOCs that are irritating to an already fragile nasal mucosa.

For those of us with Empty Nose Syndrome, every detail matters. The air we breathe at home can make all the difference. VOCs are everywhere, often invisible, but they can worsen symptoms by further drying and irritating the nasal tissue. Choosing safe materials, keeping good ventilation, and avoiding certain new products are the key steps to improving indoor air quality.