Helena Joyce
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are emitted as gases from solids or liquids and are found in thousands of products we use every day. They include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. VOCs are monitored as part of the air toxics monitoring network in Minnesota because of their role in forming ground-level ozone, a widespread outdoor air pollutant. They are also common groundwater contaminants. Exposure to VOCs can cause a variety of health issues, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Long-term exposure can damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, and some VOCs are linked to cancer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. |
| Sources | VOCs are emitted by thousands of everyday products, including paints, lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials, office equipment, graphics and craft materials, personal care products, and outdoor sources that can enter homes. |
| Health Effects | Short- and long-term adverse health effects include eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Long-term exposure can damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, and some VOCs are linked to cancer. They may worsen symptoms for people with asthma and COPD. |
| Monitoring | VOCs are monitored as part of the air toxics monitoring network in Minnesota due to their role in forming ground-level ozone, a criteria pollutant under the Clean Air Act. |
| Mitigation | To reduce exposure to VOCs, increase ventilation, avoid storing products with VOCs indoors, and limit the use of products containing VOCs. |
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What You'll Learn
- VOCs are emitted by thousands of everyday products, including paints, cleaning supplies, and pesticides
- VOCs are a common pollutant in groundwater, particularly at chemical spill sites
- Exposure to VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing
- Some VOCs are proven or suspected carcinogens
- To reduce exposure to VOCs, increase ventilation, and limit the use of VOC-emitting products
VOCs are emitted by thousands of everyday products, including paints, cleaning supplies, and pesticides
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted by thousands of everyday products. VOCs are a large group of chemicals that are found in many household products. They are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids and have a high vapour pressure and low water solubility.
VOCs are emitted by products such as paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions. Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in these household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals.
The US EPA's Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) studies found levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be two to five times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of whether the homes were located in rural or highly industrial areas. TEAM studies indicated that while people are using products containing organic chemicals, they can expose themselves and others to very high pollutant levels, and elevated concentrations can persist in the air long after the activity is completed.
To reduce exposure to VOCs, it is recommended to minimise the use of VOC-containing products and materials, opt for low-VOC options, and ensure good ventilation in indoor spaces.
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VOCs are a common pollutant in groundwater, particularly at chemical spill sites
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that vaporize at room temperature and are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products that we use every day, such as paints, lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials, and office equipment like printers and copiers. VOCs are also emitted into the air by dry cleaners, auto-body shops, painting and coating facilities, and gas engines.
At chemical spill sites, VOCs can contaminate the soil and leach into groundwater. This is a particular concern at hazardous waste sites, where about 90% of the sites on the U.S. National Priorities List have been found to contain VOCs. Once in groundwater, VOCs can generate toxic vapors that move through the soil and enter buildings, degrading indoor air quality. This process is known as vapor intrusion.
The health effects of exposure to VOC vapors can include eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Long-term exposure to VOCs has been linked to more severe health issues, including damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, and some VOCs are suspected or proven carcinogens. It is important to minimize exposure to VOCs and to properly dispose of products containing them to reduce the risk of groundwater contamination.
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Exposure to VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases into the air from products or processes. They are commonly found in household products such as paints, varnishes, wax, cleaning products, disinfectants, cosmetics, degreasers, and hobby products. Fuels are also made up of organic chemicals. These products can release organic compounds while in use and, to a lesser degree, when stored.
Concentrations of VOCs are often higher indoors than outdoors. The US EPA's Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) Study found levels of organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of location.
Exposure to VOCs can cause a variety of health issues, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Eye, nose, and throat irritation are common symptoms of VOC exposure. VOCs can irritate the mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, and throat, leading to discomfort and inflammation. This can result in symptoms such as watery eyes, a runny nose, and a sore throat.
Headaches are another frequent symptom associated with VOC exposure. VOCs can affect the nervous system, leading to headaches of varying intensity. In some cases, VOC exposure can also cause nausea and dizziness, which are believed to be related to the impact of VOCs on the central nervous system.
Additionally, VOCs can cause difficulty breathing, particularly in individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD. VOCs can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to inflammation and restricted airflow. This can result in symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
The health effects of VOC exposure can vary depending on factors such as the level of exposure and the length of time exposed. It is important to reduce exposure to VOCs by reading product labels, avoiding or limiting the use of harmful products, safely disposing of unwanted products, and increasing ventilation when using products containing VOCs.
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Some VOCs are proven or suspected carcinogens
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that have a high vapour pressure at room temperature, causing large numbers of molecules to evaporate or sublimate from the liquid or solid form. VOCs are numerous, varied, and ubiquitous. They include both human-made and naturally occurring chemical compounds. Most scents or odours are VOCs. Some VOCs are harmful to human health, causing eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and even more severe health issues, including cancer.
Many VOCs are dangerous to human health. Some VOCs are proven or suspected carcinogens. Benzene, for example, is a known carcinogen and is used in a variety of industries, including the production of plastics, synthetic fibres, and rubbers. It is also found in cigarette smoke and car exhaust fumes. Benzene has been linked to an increased risk of leukaemia and other blood-related cancers. Formaldehyde is another VOC that is a known carcinogen. It is used in the production of resins, adhesives, and various building materials. Formaldehyde exposure has been linked to nasopharyngeal cancer and leukaemia.
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a VOC that is a suspected carcinogen. It has been widely used as an industrial solvent and is a common contaminant of soil and groundwater. Studies have suggested a link between TCE exposure and kidney and liver cancer, as well as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Perchloroethylene, also known as tetrachloroethylene (PCE or PERC), is another suspected carcinogen. It is a common solvent used in dry-cleaning and metal degreasing. Studies have suggested an association between PERC exposure and bladder cancer, as well as multiple myeloma.
Other VOCs are considered probable or possible carcinogens. For example, 1,3-Butadiene is a synthetic compound used in the production of synthetic rubbers and plastics. It is also a component of cigarette smoke and car exhaust. Animal studies have provided strong evidence that 1,3-Butadiene can cause cancer, particularly leukemias, lymphomas, and cancers of the nasal cavity and liver. While human data are limited, there is suggestive evidence that exposure to 1,3-Butadiene may be linked to similar types of cancers in humans.
It is important to note that the effects of VOCs can vary depending on the level and duration of exposure, as well as individual factors such as age and overall health. Reducing exposure to VOCs, particularly those that are known or suspected carcinogens, is important for maintaining health. This can be achieved through proper ventilation, the use of low-VOC products, and regular monitoring and remediation of VOC levels in indoor environments. Understanding the potential risks associated with VOC exposure is crucial for implementing effective prevention and mitigation strategies.
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To reduce exposure to VOCs, increase ventilation, and limit the use of VOC-emitting products
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are compounds that have a high vapour pressure and low water solubility. They are emitted from thousands of everyday products, including paints, varnishes, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials, and furnishings. VOC exposure can have serious short-term and long-term health effects, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Long-term exposure can damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, and some VOCs are linked to cancer.
To reduce exposure to VOCs, it is important to increase ventilation and limit the use of VOC-emitting products. Here are some ways to do this:
Increase Ventilation
- Open doors and windows to increase the amount of fresh air in your home and reduce the concentration of VOCs.
- Use fans to maximize the amount of outdoor air brought inside.
- Keep the temperature and humidity low, as chemicals off-gas more in high temperatures and humidity.
Limit the Use of VOC-Emitting Products
- Look for products with the "Low VOCs" label, such as low-VOC paints and building supplies.
- Avoid products with added fragrance, as fragrances can contain VOCs.
- When buying new items, consider purchasing floor models that have already off-gassed in the store.
- Store unused chemicals and products containing VOCs in a garage or shed, and properly dispose of any leftover or unused products.
- Opt for solid wood furniture instead of pressed-wood products, which often contain formaldehyde and other VOCs.
- Choose organic cotton and unscented feminine hygiene products, as these products have been found to contain VOCs.
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Frequently asked questions
VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compound. VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. They are found in thousands of products that people use every day, such as paints, cleaning products, pesticides, and building materials.
VOCs can cause a variety of health issues, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Long-term exposure can damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, and some VOCs are linked to cancer. They may also worsen symptoms for people with asthma and COPD.
To reduce your exposure to VOCs, try to limit the number of products you use that contain them. Look for products that are labeled "Low VOCs." Increase ventilation in your home by opening doors and windows, and use fans to bring in fresh air from outside. Store any unused chemicals containing VOCs in a garage or shed, and dispose of them safely.
