How your home may be affecting your health: The truth about Off-gassing

Off-gassing is the gradual release of chemicals from manufactured products into the air around us. Unnoticeable to the human eye, these gases can linger in our living and working spaces, causing negative effects on our health and environment. 

Common sources of off-gassing include furniture, building materials, adhesives, resins, foams, and finishes used in flooring/upholstery. These products can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are a class of chemicals that can evaporate easily into the air. One of the most well-known is formaldehyde, a documented irritant tied to headaches, breathing problems, and longer-term health risks. 

Since most people spend up to 90% of their time indoors, exposure adds up. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that indoor air can be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Poor indoor air quality has been connected to fatigue, asthma, and other chronic conditions. In homes, offices, and schools, this affects not just health, but also focus, comfort, and productivity. 

Protecting indoor air quality isn’t just a healthy priority, but it’s also a design and sustainability responsibility. 

We aim to make a difference by building our boards with 100% recycled fibers and postindustrial byproducts. As a result, ECOR panels contain no added adhesives, resins, or toxic chemicals. Our closed-loop heat-and-pressure process means they’re formaldehyde-free, inherently low-VOC, and verified by SCS Indoor Advantage™ Gold for healthy use in homes, schools, and workplaces. 

By reducing harmful emissions, ECOR panels contribute to healthier spaces while also diverting agricultural waste and recycled fibers from landfills. The result is a product that not only safeguards air quality but also supports a circular economy. Choosing materials that minimize off-gassing is one of the simplest and most impactful steps toward creating safe, healthy, and future-ready indoor environments.