I'm sorry, I have not had a chance to get any charcoal. The smell is still there. Not as strong as it was a few weeks ago and after a month it is tolerable, but everyone who comes into my new room asks "what is that smell?" This is INSANE how much worse the smell is after this supposed VOC compliant crap. There is no way in hell this is better for you. for the first 3 weeks I could not even stand being in the room as I would get a headache after breathing this in for 20 minutes. I loved the old smell of the old stuff and it would be gone within a week. This smell is going on over a month and It is still lingering. I think we need to find another brand or get everyone to complain to these varnish companies to bring back the old formulas. Why did they even change it? How in the heck did they ever test this and Say "Yeah this is better!! You would have to have absolutely no sense of smell to think this stuff is good for anyone to breath or use. Do they really think by changing the smell or recipe of varnish we are saving the planet? It is ridiculous!! I'm so sorry I wish I had the answer for you. I just left my windows open a crack for days until it was tolerable. Also you could use a damp rid bag and hope that will absorb some of the smell. It is strong at first but I know at least these hanging bags smell better than the varnish!! You can get these at Lowes or HomeDepot in the cleaning isle.

I found a recipe online and followed it exactly--16 oz. 91% isopropyl alcohol, .5 oz distilled water and .5 oz essential oil. I bought the oil at Yankee candle. It worked great, except that the scent was too strong. I only let it "burn" for an hour and the house smelled great for the whole day. I like the fact that the flame is only lit for a few minutes then you blow it out. It's seems more like an incense to me. It's a nice alternative to candles. She did mention that you could add more alcohol to dilute the scent. I will have to try that. I don't know how to post a link but the recipe I found was Christy's Thrifty decorating blog...

Lydia I'm so sorry for you loss. Losing our beloved furry children is never easy. You may remember I had to put down our Bubba in December, so I know what you are going through. I'm sure Kobi is watching over you from the great pet heaven.

Yeah, Charlee I understand. However based on what I've read I think I'll pass. I don't know whether or not it's the burning alcohol or the actual oils that create the volatile organic compounds that disperse through the air, and I really don't care to research it that thoroughly. I just think I'll pass on it. I've loved the Lampe, and have been a strong advocate for it in the past. But I never stopped to think about what it might be emitting. Since California has banned it because it exceeds the allowance of acceptable VOC's, coupled with the research I just did online, I think I'll just find another way to kill the odors. I can do just as well opening the windows, airing out the house and adding home fragrance scents I can buy here - ones that don't exceed the VOC limits. California can be a pain sometimes. Our gas prices are higher than anywhere else in the nation because of the VOC requirements on gas that is burned here. Oh well. At my age, I'm not into taking the risk. The link below was an eye-opener. It's a very slow toxcity, so unlikely to be noticed for a while. Better to be safe than rue it later. I'll guess I'll just stick to the home fragrances I can buy here. Thanks anyway. Here is a link that might be useful: Volatile Organic Compounds