When you think ‘VOCs,’ don’t think paint – think formaldehyde, which offgasses for years and causes cancer. Combine that with tight homes and exhaust-only ventilation (window trickle-vents don’t count) and you’ve got a powerful reason to choose formaldehyde-free cabinets and trim. OK, you say, but what if the homeowners stuff the house with particle-board furniture? CertainTeed’s hoping to remedy that with their new VOC-absorbing gypsum board, AirRenew, which will be independently tested on OR and WA pilot projects this winter. Meanwhile, start thinking about balanced ventilation – whether with an HRV, a fresh air intake into your furnace ducting, or other source of supply. I bet it’ll be required in the next version of the state energy code.