Denver Homes: Is New Construction Hiding Deadly VOCs?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

January 10, 2026

Imagine stepping into your brand new Denver home, the scent of fresh paint and new carpet filling the air. But what if that “new home smell” is actually a cocktail of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, off-gassing from your building materials? It’s a silent threat many Denver homeowners face, and ignoring it can have serious health consequences.

VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. They’re found in a multitude of products, and new construction is a prime source of exposure. Denver’s unique climate, with its intense sun and temperature fluctuations, can exacerbate the problem, accelerating the release of these chemicals.

So, how do you protect yourself and your family? Let’s dive into the specifics of VOCs in Denver’s new construction, how to test for them, and what Colorado offers in terms of remediation.

First, let’s identify the usual suspects. In Denver’s new builds, common VOC sources include:

Paints and Finishes: Low-quality paints, varnishes, and stains are notorious for releasing VOCs like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene. These can linger in the air for months, even years.
Adhesives and Sealants: Used extensively in flooring, cabinetry, and countertops, these products often contain solvents that off-gas.
Flooring: Carpets, vinyl flooring, and even some hardwood finishes can contribute to VOC levels. The backing of carpets, in particular, can be a significant source.
Composite Wood Products: Particleboard, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), and plywood, commonly used in cabinets and furniture, often contain formaldehyde-based resins.
Insulation: Some types of insulation, especially spray foam, can release VOCs during and after installation.

Denver’s specific building practices can also play a role. The rapid pace of construction in the city, coupled with the pressure to keep costs down, can sometimes lead to the use of cheaper, higher-VOC materials.

Now, how do you know if you have a problem? Testing is key.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to testing your indoor air quality in a new Denver home:

Choose a Testing Method: You have two main options: DIY kits or professional testing. DIY kits are cheaper but less accurate. Professional testing involves hiring a certified industrial hygienist or environmental consultant.
Consider a Professional: For a new home, especially if you suspect high VOC levels, professional testing is highly recommended. They use specialized equipment and can identify a wider range of VOCs.
Select a Reputable Company: Look for companies with certifications like CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist) or certifications from organizations like the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). Check online reviews and ask for references.
Prepare Your Home: Before testing, close all windows and doors for the recommended period (usually 12-24 hours). This allows VOCs to accumulate, providing a more accurate reading.
Follow Instructions Carefully: Whether using a DIY kit or working with a professional, meticulously follow the instructions. Improper sampling can lead to inaccurate results.
Understand the Results: Professional reports will typically include a list of detected VOCs, their concentrations, and comparisons to established safety standards. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you don’t understand something.

Common mistakes developers make that lead to VOC issues include:

Using Inexpensive Materials: Cutting costs by using low-quality, high-VOC materials is a major culprit.
Poor Ventilation During Construction: Failing to properly ventilate the building during and after construction traps VOCs indoors.
Rushing the Curing Process: Some materials require time to off-gas before being enclosed. Rushing this process can lead to elevated VOC levels.
Lack of Awareness: Some developers simply aren’t aware of the potential health risks associated with VOCs and don’t prioritize low-VOC options.

Overcoming these challenges requires a proactive approach. Developers should:

Prioritize Low-VOC Materials: Choose paints, adhesives, flooring, and composite wood products that are certified low-VOC by organizations like GreenGuard or UL.
Implement Proper Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation during and after construction to remove VOCs.
Allow Sufficient Curing Time: Give materials ample time to off-gas before enclosing them.
Educate Themselves: Stay informed about the latest research on VOCs and their health effects.

What about Colorado-specific regulations or programs? While Colorado doesn’t have specific regulations targeting VOCs in indoor air quality in residential buildings, it does have regulations regarding VOC emissions from certain products sold in the state. These regulations, enforced by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), aim to reduce overall VOC emissions into the atmosphere.

Furthermore, Denver has its own Green Building Ordinance, which encourages the use of sustainable and healthy building materials. While not explicitly focused on VOCs, it promotes practices that can reduce VOC exposure.

If you find elevated VOC levels in your Denver home, remediation is crucial. Here are some steps you can take:

Increase Ventilation: Open windows and doors as much as possible to flush out VOCs. Use fans to circulate air.
Air Purifiers: Invest in a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter and activated carbon filter. The HEPA filter removes particulate matter, while the activated carbon filter adsorbs VOCs.
Baking Soda: Place bowls of baking soda around the house to absorb odors and some VOCs.
Houseplants: Certain houseplants, like spider plants and snake plants, can help remove VOCs from the air.
Professional Remediation: In severe cases, consider hiring a professional remediation company. They can use specialized equipment and techniques to remove VOCs from your home.

A common pitfall is relying solely on one method of remediation. A multi-pronged approach, combining ventilation, air purification, and source control, is usually the most effective.

For example, a Denver homeowner noticed a strong chemical odor in their new condo downtown. Testing revealed elevated levels of formaldehyde, likely from the engineered wood flooring. They increased ventilation, purchased an air purifier, and eventually replaced the flooring with a low-VOC alternative. This combination of strategies significantly improved their indoor air quality.

Another challenge is identifying the source of the VOCs. Sometimes, it’s not immediately obvious. A professional can help pinpoint the source and recommend targeted remediation strategies.

In conclusion, protecting yourself from VOC exposure in a new Denver home requires awareness, testing, and proactive remediation. By understanding the common sources of VOCs, following proper testing procedures, and implementing effective remediation strategies, you can create a healthier and safer living environment for yourself and your family. Don’t let the “new home smell” compromise your well-being. Take control of your indoor air quality and breathe easy in your Denver dream home.