Bronte Wells
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic compounds that have a high vapour pressure at room temperature. They are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids and are found in a variety of household products, including paints, varnishes, cleaning products, and fuels. VOCs are a major source of indoor and outdoor air pollution, with levels found to be significantly higher indoors than outdoors. They can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and damage to vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Some VOCs are also linked to cancer. To reduce exposure, it is recommended to increase ventilation when using products containing VOCs, read labels, and safely dispose of unused chemicals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. |
| Sources | Paints, varnishes, wax, cleaning products, disinfectants, cosmetics, degreasers, hobby products, fuels, building materials, personal care products, dry cleaning agents, adhesives, caulks, carpets, upholstered furniture, composite wood, arts and crafts supplies, dry-cleaned clothing, pesticides, and more. |
| Health Effects | Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, difficulty breathing, nausea, headaches, loss of coordination, damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, and certain types of cancer. |
| Regulation | VOCs are regulated in drinking water and pollutant discharges to surface waters. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates VOC exposure in the workplace. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has independent outdoor air pollution regulations for VOCs. |
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What You'll Learn
VOCs are found in many household products
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic compounds that have a high vapour pressure at room temperature and low water solubility. They are emitted by a wide array of products, including many household items. VOCs are found in paints, varnishes, wax, cleaning products, disinfectants, cosmetics, degreasers, adhesives, caulks, solvents, hobby products, and fuels. These products can release organic compounds while in use and, to a lesser extent, when stored.
Paints, varnishes, and wax contain organic solvents, which are released as VOCs. Many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, and hobby products also contain organic solvents. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals, which are released as VOCs during use and storage. The EPA's Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) Study found that levels of common organic pollutants were 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of location. This means that people can expose themselves and others to very high pollutant levels while using these products, and elevated concentrations can remain in the air long after use.
To protect your health, it is recommended to limit exposure to products containing VOCs. People with respiratory issues such as asthma, young children, the elderly, and those sensitive to chemicals may be more susceptible to irritation and illness from VOCs. If you suspect health issues related to VOC exposure, it is advised to reduce levels in the home and consult a doctor if symptoms persist.
Household furnishings like carpets, upholstered furniture, and composite wood items tend to off-gas more VOCs when new. To reduce exposure, it is recommended to increase ventilation when using products that emit VOCs, follow label precautions, and avoid storing opened containers of unused paints and similar materials inside the home. If possible, identify and remove the source of VOCs, or use a sealant on exposed surfaces of furnishings. It is also suggested to use integrated pest management techniques to reduce the need for pesticides and always follow manufacturer instructions when using household products.
Overall, while VOCs are found in many household products, there are measures that can be taken to reduce exposure and protect one's health.
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VOCs are emitted by plants, animals, and microorganisms
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic compounds that have a high vapour pressure at room temperature. They are emitted by a variety of sources, including human activities such as the use of paints, varnishes, cleaning supplies, and fuels, as well as natural sources such as plants, animals, and microorganisms. While VOCs are most commonly associated with pollution, they also play an important role in communication between animals and plants, such as attractants for pollinators and protection from predation.
Plants are the major source of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), with isoprene being the primary compound. VOC emissions from plants occur almost exclusively from the leaves, particularly the stomata. Climate change factors such as warming and increased UV radiation are predicted to increase BVOC emissions from plants, potentially disrupting biosphere-atmosphere interactions and damaging ecosystems. VOCs emitted by plants can also attract soil bacteria and affect plant growth and development. For example, studies have shown that VOCs emitted by certain plant pathogens can promote the growth of other plants and affect auxin transport and signalling.
Animals also emit small amounts of VOCs, which can have various effects on human health. For example, dermal exposure to VOCs like formaldehyde and toluene can downregulate antimicrobial peptides on the skin and worsen allergic inflammation.
Microorganisms, including soil bacteria and fungi, are another source of VOCs. These microbial volatiles (mVOCs) can affect plant growth and development. For example, mVOCs emitted by beneficial soil microorganisms can promote plant growth, while those produced by plant pathogens can have negative effects. Additionally, plants can mediate belowground plant-microbe interactions via root-emitted VOCs, which can serve as carbon sources, defence metabolites, and chemo-attractants.
Overall, VOCs emitted by plants, animals, and microorganisms have various effects on the environment and human health, contributing to both beneficial ecological interactions and potential health hazards.
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VOCs are often components of fuels
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic compounds that have a high vapour pressure at room temperature. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products, including paints, varnishes, wax, cleaning products, disinfectants, cosmetics, degreasers, hobby products, and fuels. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals, and these chemicals can be released while the fuel is being used and, to a lesser extent, when it is being stored.
The People's Republic of China defines VOCs as compounds that have "originated from automobiles, industrial production and civilian use, burning of all types of fuels, storage and transportation of oils, fitment finish, coating for furniture and machines, cooking oil fume and fine particles (PM 2.5)". This definition highlights how the burning of fuels can be a significant source of VOCs.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also recognised the role of fuels in VOC emissions. Their Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) studies found that levels of common organic pollutants were 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of location. These studies indicate that the use of products containing organic chemicals, such as fuels, can expose people to very high levels of pollutants. The elevated concentrations of pollutants can persist in the air long after the activity involving the fuel is completed.
The specific VOCs found in fuels can vary. For example, fossil fuels can contain incompletely combusted compounds or unintended evaporations of fuel, with ethane being the most prevalent VOC in these cases. Biofuels, such as cooking oils and bioethanol, can also contribute to VOC emissions. Compressed aerosol products, mainly containing butane and propane, are estimated to contribute 1.3 million tonnes of VOC emissions per year globally.
Overall, VOCs are often components of fuels, and the use and combustion of these fuels can lead to significant VOC emissions, contributing to indoor and outdoor air pollution.
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VOCs are common groundwater contaminants
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic compounds that have a high vapour pressure and low water solubility. They are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs are common groundwater contaminants, and their presence in groundwater can lead to pollution.
VOCs are often introduced to the environment through careless industrial practices. They are emitted by a wide array of products, including paints, varnishes, wax, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials, office equipment, graphics and craft materials, adhesives, and photographic solutions. Fuels are also made up of organic chemicals, and many household products contain organic solvents. These products can release organic compounds while they are being used and, to some degree, when they are stored.
The TEAM studies by the US EPA found levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of whether the homes were located in rural or highly industrial areas. Additional TEAM studies indicate that people can expose themselves and others to very high pollutant levels while using products containing organic chemicals, and elevated concentrations can persist in the air long after the activity is completed.
The group of VOCs most frequently detected in groundwater is trihalomethanes (THMs), which form when chlorine interacts with dissolved organic matter in water. This can happen when chlorine is added to drinking water for disinfection. THMs are often detected in wastewater because some chlorinated drinking water goes down the drain. Solvents, with consumer and industrial uses such as degreasers, paint removers, and cleaning agents, are also among the VOCs detected in groundwater.
Some VOCs are dangerous to human health or cause harm to the environment. VOCs have been linked to a host of health problems, including cancer and birth defects. They are regulated in pollutant discharges to surface waters as hazardous waste and in the workplace.
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VOCs can cause health issues
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. They are organic compounds that have a high vapour pressure at room temperature and low water solubility. VOCs are emitted from thousands of everyday products, such as paints, varnishes, cleaning products, disinfectants, cosmetics, and fuels. These products can release organic compounds during use and, to some degree, when stored.
Breathing in VOCs can cause a range of health issues, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Some VOCs can also worsen symptoms for people with asthma and COPD. Long-term exposure to VOCs can have more severe health impacts, including potential damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Some VOCs are also linked to cancer, as studies have shown they can cause cancer in animals.
The health effects of VOCs can vary depending on the specific chemical and the individual's sensitivity. People with respiratory issues, young children, the elderly, or those with heightened sensitivity to chemicals may be more susceptible to adverse effects. It is important to reduce exposure to VOCs, especially for vulnerable individuals. This can be achieved by increasing ventilation, using products with low VOC levels, and safely disposing of unused chemicals.
Indoor concentrations of VOCs are often significantly higher than outdoors, with levels up to ten times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of their location. This is due to the widespread use of household products containing organic chemicals. However, it is important to note that VOCs are also present outdoors and can come from sources such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.
While there are regulations and standards in some countries to limit VOC emissions, there are no federal or state standards for VOC levels in non-industrial settings in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. They are found in thousands of daily-use products, including paints, varnishes, wax, cleaning products, disinfectants, cosmetics, degreasers, hobby products, and fuels.
Yes, most VOCs in the Earth's atmosphere are biogenic, emitted by plants, animals, or microorganisms. Limonene, for example, is emitted by trees in coniferous forests.
Exposure to VOCs can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, difficulty breathing and nausea, and damage to the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, and other organs. Some VOCs are linked to cancer.
To reduce exposure, read product labels, avoid or limit the use of items with harmful ingredients, safely dispose of unwanted products, and increase ventilation when using products containing VOCs.
Yes, several countries in Europe and the US have enacted regulations to limit VOC emissions from commercial products. VOCs in air pollution are a concern as they contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and are monitored as part of air toxics monitoring networks.
